Vanuatu United FC have picked up their first win of the season, with an impressive display against Bula FC as both sides got up and running in Round 3.
Lars Hopp’s team had played well across the first two rounds of the competition and were unlucky not to have registered a victory already. Hopp himself though would be absent from the touchline, serving a ban following his red card in the match against South Melbourne FC in Port Moresby.
Three of his squad were also shown red that day and were unavailable, including influential midfielder William Cardona.
Bula FC, who started the day a place above Vanuatu United in the table, were the much brighter side in the early going, with Zacariah Harang testing Matt Acton with a low drive.
Cooler conditions and some rain in Melbourne seemed to have slowed down the surface, as Bula’s early onslaught subsided and Vanuatu United worked their way into the contest.
Owen Smith had their first real opportunity, flashing a free-kick over the bar.
It was perhaps no surprise when Alex Saniel proved to be the difference maker. The forward was on hand to finish after great work down the right-hand side by Bill Kaltack – bringing the ball down and cutting inside, before laying off to Saniel, who swept his effort into the far corner for his fifth of the season.
Roy Krishna, looking for his second goal in the Pro League, should have drawn Bula FC level early in the second period. The experienced forward was left free from a corner-kick, but his initial header was well-saved by Matt Acton and the follow up hit the base of the post.
Stephane Auvray’s side would be made to rue that missed opportunity moments later when Owen Smith broke down the left-hand side, sliding in to play the ball across to Kathy Iamak, who finished well under Didier Desprez.
Initially ruled out for offside, a VAR check confirmed Iamak was onside and the goal stood, much to the delight of the vocal Vanuatu United support at Olympic Park.
Bula FC notably upped the tempo as they searched for a way back in but Vanuatu United continued to repel them, with an impressive rearguard effort.
That defensive effort proved enough to hold out and secure a crucial victory – despite Bula FC hitting the woodwork twice late on – and keep their top four hopes alive.
