ADELAIDE: New Zealand overcame a spirited and entertaining Solomon Islands unit but the 3-0 scoreline did not reflect the competitive nature of the round two contest played at Marden Sports Complex.

In front of a vocal crowd of around 200 spectators, the New Zealanders struggled to contain the speedy island underdogs, particularly in the first half.

But they were able to maintain their shape and composure. Brent Fisher scored ten minutes before the break after some excellent lead up work by Aaran Lines who made the initial break down the left flank, and midfielder Simon Elliot who found Fisher in the box with a deft pass.

Duncan Oughton and Aaran Lines added two goals late in the second half to end any hopes of a Solomons comeback. Oughton’s goal was a gift having just got onto the field replacing Timothy Brown, he capitalised on a error by Solomons goalkeepr Severino Aefi who failed to control simple catch.

Ironically, the Solomons had the better and most scoring chances but either the final pass was poor or the finishing wayward. New Zealand goalkeeper Mark Paston had a busy night and had to pull off a number of fine saves, particularly in the second half.

Alick Maemae and Batram Suri were superb for the islanders but their finishing let them down. Stanley Waita and central defender George Suri also had big games, the latter shutting down All White ace striker Vaughan Coveny.

Round 2: Match 4 – 31 May 2004, 2:00pm

New Zealand vs Solomon Islands

Full-time score: 3-0 New Zealand

Half-time score: 1-0 New Zealand

Goal-scorers: NZ – (13) Brent Fisher 36′; (2) Duncan Oughton 81′; (8) Aaran Lines 90′

Cautions: Sol – (16) Stanley Waita 20′; NZ – (7) Ivan Vicelich 23′; (3) David Mulligan 57′

Expulsions: none

Crowd Attendance: 200+

Weather: Fine

Venue: Marden Sports Complex, Adelaide

Match Officials:

Match Commissioner: Madiu Andrew (Papua New Guinea)

Referee Inspector: Yves Taga (Vanuatu)

Referee: Eduardo Gonzales (Spain)

Assistant Referee 1: Pedro Hernandez (Spain)

Assistant Referee 2: Michael Mouauri (Cook Islands)

Fourth Official: Mark Shield (Australia)

Team Lists (& Substitutions)

NEW ZEALAND

1. Mark Paston GK

3. David Mulligan

4. Steven Old

5. Che Bunce

6. Tony Lochhead

7. Ivan Vicelich

8. Aaran Lines

10. Timothy Brown (-80′)

12. Simon Elliot (c) (-85′)

13. Brent Fisher

16. Vaughan Coveny (-74′)

Subs

2. Duncan Oughton (+80′)

9. Noah Hickey

11. Leo Bertos (+74′)

15. Michael Wilson (+85′)

17. Raffaele de Gregorio

18. Shane Smeltz

19. Neil Jones

20. Andrew Boyens

21. Rupesh Puna

22. Glen Moss RGK

23. Tamati Williams

SOLOMON ISLANDS

20. Severino Aefi GK

3. Mahlon Houkarawa

6. Nelson Kilifa

7. Alick Maemae

10. Batram Suri (c)

11. Commins Menapi

16. Stanley Waita (-66′)

17. Gideon Omokirio

18. Henry Fa’arodo

19. Paul Kakai Jr

21. George Suri

Subs:

1. Felix Ray Jr RGK

2. Leslie Leo

4. Martin Ruhasia

5. Phillip Boe

8. Joel Konofilia

12. Francis Wasi

13. George Lui

14. Jack Samani (+66′)

15. Moses Toata

22. Francis Aruwafu

Coach: Alan Gillett