Cook Islands club Tupapa Maraerenga put themselves in pole position to qualify for the OFC Champions League 2018 Qualifying Tournament last month when they edged defending champions Puaikura 1-0 in a top-of-the-table clash.
Puaikura were dominant throughout the first half with players linking well and pressing forward despite Tupapa’s efforts to disrupt them.
In the 20th minute Paavo Mustonen found his path to goal clear after defender Ed Brogan lost his balance, however the striker was unable to capitalise on the advantage sending his shot off-target.
A shift of momentum in the second half saw Tupapa starting to make inroads with set-pieces leaving Puaikura uneasy.
Terence Maruariki kept his side in the mix as the clock started to wind down, making some crucial saves for Puaikura, however he was unable to make it to the final whistle with his clean sheet intact.
With 15 minutes remaining Grover Harmon’s powerful low drive was directed past the keeper by Marc Evans to hand Tupapa the win, and with it their unbeaten record this season.