South Island United rallied from an early shock to rout PNG Hekari FC 4-1 in Round Four of the OFC Pro League at Honiara’s National Stadium on Saturday, in a match delayed for nearly an hour by heavy rain.
PNG Hekari shocked the hosts with a lightning start, taking the lead inside four minutes when Ate Kepo set up Rex Naime for a clinical finish after Hekari surged up the middle. The early strike left South Island’s defenders scrambling and suggested Hekari might upset the form book despite their lowly position in the standings.
South Island responded through live-wire attacking midfielder Rovu Boyers, who capitalised on a slick combination with David Yoo to draw the hosts level. The tide fully turned in the 27th minute when pressure inside the Hekari penalty area forced a panicked clearance into the net, the goal recorded as an own goal and sending South Island into halftime ahead 2-1.
The second half saw Hekari battle for possession and territory but struggle to convert their pressure into meaningful chances. South Island’s coach Rob Sherman repeatedly urged his players to control the tempo, and his side grew increasingly comfortable. Boyers extended the lead in the 63rd minute, beating Hekari goalkeeper Dave Tomare with a composed finish to make it 3-1.
Lewis Partridge supplied a beautiful cross in the 80th minute that found Boyers again, who prodded home to complete a personal hat-trick and seal the visitors’ emphatic 4-1 victory. Hekari pushed late on with long-range efforts, but South Island goalkeeper Steven Van Dijk was in form and denied any late comeback.
The result completes a confident performance from South Island United, who overcame the pre-match disruption and an early setback to claim all three points in Honiara. PNG Hekari showed moments of promise — particularly in the opening exchanges through Joseph Joe and Kepo’s creativity — but could not sustain the threat as South Island’s attack, led by Boyers and supported by Yoo and Partridge, took control.
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