EXTRA Bula FC secured a vital victory over Tahiti United thanks to a second-half brace from substitute Setareki Hughes, giving the side the perfect start to their week in Honiara.
Both teams entered the match desperate for points to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top four, but it was Bula FC who eventually capitalised when it mattered most.
Tahiti United dominated much of the first half, forcing Bula FC goalkeeper Matthew Foord into several important saves.
Foord first denied Manuarii Shan with a close-range stop before Tahiti captain Teaonui Tehau thought he had given his side the lead.
However, his headed effort from a Mateo Degrumelle corner was ruled out after a VAR review showed the ball had brushed his arm on the way into the net.
Despite the pressure, Bula FC nearly struck first through Roy Krishna.
The experienced forward reacted quickly after Fergus Gillion’s free kick rebounded off the defensive wall, but his powerful strike rattled the crossbar from close range.
The second half saw Bula FC take control as coach Stephane Auvray introduced fresh legs, including Hughes. The impact was immediate.
Hughes opened the scoring after racing onto a long ball and beating defender Pothin Poma before slotting past goalkeeper Jackson Gardner at the near post.
Five minutes later, Hughes doubled Bula FC’s advantage. After receiving a pass from Krishna on the right channel, he cut inside his marker and fired a clinical shot into the far corner.
The victory marked Bula FC’s third win of the season, lifting them to 12 points and within one point of a top-four spot.
