Liam Gillion’s late goal keeps Auckland FC top of Oceania Pro League

Sunday, 22 February 2026

Auckland FC’s Liam Gillion beats the South Melbourne keeper in their 1-1 Oceania Pro League draw in Melbourne.

Two late goals saw South Melbourne FC and Auckland FC settle for a share of the points in an intense encounter in Melbourne.

Auckland FC finished round two top of the league, but South Melbourne FC remained the only side yet to suffer defeat, hovering only a few points behind the New Zealanders.

The opening 45 minutes on Saturday night were high on energy and effort, but with few clear-cut chances to speak of.

Tempers flared as the sides departed for half-time and the energy continued to rise as the action resumed.

Yuki Uchida was presented with a great chance to break the deadlock late on, when an excellent cross from substitute Arran Cocks found the Japanese forward only eight yards out, but his volleyed effort was straight at Auckland FC keeper Oscar Mason.

Mason stood out again moments later, saving first from Max Mikkola and then from Jack Painter-Andrews in a matter of seconds to keep the scores level.

South Melbourne captain Marco Jankovic had an even better chance minutes later, with a free header from close range - the defender however glanced wide with the goal at his mercy.

Tempers flare between Auckland FC and South Melbourne in their top-of-the-table clash.

Auckland FC pushed as the minutes ticked down. Liam Gillion - who had been quiet for much of the evening - flashed a left-footed effort narrowly wide on a rare foray from the New Zealanders.

There was more to come from Gillion however. Picking the ball up deep in his own half, the pacy winger ran the length of the field, weaving past the South Melbourne defence before sneaking the ball past Diaz Lopez to seemingly clinch victory.

The home side weren't to be denied however. Jacob Eliopoulos rose highest from a corner to head past Mason and secure a crucial point for South Melbourne.

Feutz double

South Island United also had to settle for a point after Ryan Feutz came off the bench to score twice in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Tahiti United.

Tahiti’s Sam Garcia will be disappointed his side were unable to take all three points, as they led twice only to concede in the closing stages at Melbourne’s Olympic Park.

South Island United striker Ryan Feutz celebrates one of his two goals in a draw with Tahiti United.

Tahiti United were by far the brighter side in the opening 45 minutes and will rue a number of missed chances, leading only 1-0 going into the break from a magnificent header from Germain Haewegene, powering home from a Bradley Ruiz corner-kick.

Captain Teanoui Tehau had a glorious chance to score but was denied by an outstanding save from South’s Steven van Dijk when bearing down from close range.

Feutz entered the action at half-time and it didn't take long for the powerful forward to make an impact.

Receiving the ball inside the area, he turned superbly to create space, before expertly placing his effort into the far corner to level the score.

Tahiti United eventually found their stride and it was no surprise when the duo of Bradley Ruiz and Teaonui Tehau led to their second goal.

Tehau controlled a low effort from the former, before calmly tucking past Van Dijk from a few metres out.

It seemed set for the Tahitians to take all three points but Feutz was again the man for Rob Sherman's side, breaking the offside trap and finishing smartly into the far corner to again level matters.

South Island United now have two wins, three draws and a loss from six games.

Results

South Melbourne FC 1 (Jacob Eliopoulos 90+6') Auckland FC 1 (Liam Gillion 89'). HT: 0-0.

Tahiti United 2 (Germain Haewegene 18’, Teaonui Tehau 65') South Island United 2 (Ryan Feutz 48', 86'). HT: 1-0.