Illustrative image related to Auckland FC edge Solomon Kings 1-0 as Mason’s stoppage-time save seals victory.
Aston Burns’ late strike and a dramatic stoppage-time penalty save by goalkeeper Oscar Mason handed Auckland FC a nervy 1-0 victory over Solomon Kings in Round Four of the OFC Pro League at Honiara’s National Stadium on Saturday. The result — secured by Burns’ 87th-minute finish — extended Auckland’s strong start to the campaign and left the home crowd stunned after a frantic finish.
The match was played in front of a large, vocal Honiara turnout who had plenty to cheer as the Kings pressed for a breakthrough. Solomon Islands’ front line, led by Atkin Kaua, Junior David, Bobby Leslie and Sota Higashide, probed steadily and fashioned several openings in the first half, but Auckland goalkeeper Oscar Mason was alert throughout and the interval arrived with the scores level.
Auckland’s attack was marshalled by Jonathan Robinson and Isa Prins, while James Bayliss organised the defence. The second half saw the Kings tweak their shape and crank up the pressure, with defenders David Supa and William Komasi combining well to repel several Auckland forays. Komasi came closest for the home side on a couple of occasions, his efforts flashing just wide and keeping the scoreboard blank until the closing stages.
Just when it looked as if the sides would share the spoils, Aston Burns broke the deadlock in the 87th minute with a composed finish to give Auckland a late lead. The goal sent Auckland’s travelling contingent into celebration and forced the Kings into a desperate final push. Referee added 10 minutes of stoppage time, during which Honiara’s supporters clung to the hope of a dramatic equaliser.
That hope nearly materialised when an Auckland infringement in the box in the dying seconds awarded the Kings a penalty. Sota Higashide stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Mason produced a superb, match-defining save to deny the home side and preserve Auckland’s clean sheet. The save drew wild scenes among the Auckland players and left the home fans devastated.
Auckland went into the round at the top of the OFC Pro League standings and will depart Honiara having taken maximum points from a tough encounter. For the Solomon Kings, the narrow loss will be a bitter lesson in missed opportunities despite a spirited home performance. The result reshapes the momentum in the group as teams prepare for the next round of fixtures.
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