Gordon Iro’s late equaliser denies Central Coast as S-League Round 12 delivers more drama

Green Shield FC rescued a dramatic 1-1 draw against defending champions Central Coast FC in the biggest encounter of Round 12 of the Solomon Islands S-League, with Gordon Iro scoring deep into stoppage time at Lawson Tama Stadium on Saturday. The weekend also brought a convincing victory for Malaita Kingz, another hat-trick from Southern United’s Spensor Vaevo and an important win for KOSSA as the competition continues to develop an intriguing title race.

The meeting between Green Shield and Central Coast carried particular significance following their previous encounter in September, when Central Coast overwhelmed their opponents 5-1. This time, the contest was considerably closer. Hudyn Irodao gave Central Coast the advantage in the 32nd minute, putting the reigning champions on course for another important victory. However, Green Shield refused to surrender, and Solomon Islands international Gordon Iro struck in the third minute of added time to secure a point for his side.

The late equaliser represented a much better outcome for Green Shield than their previous meeting with the champions, while Central Coast were left frustrated after coming so close to securing all three points. The result also carries implications for the championship race, particularly because Central Coast still have postponed fixtures to complete following their continental commitments earlier in the season.

Elsewhere, Malaita Kingz continued their impressive scoring form with a commanding 5-1 victory over Ghupo FC. Adrian Abae opened the scoring after just five minutes, before captain Ben Fox doubled the advantage in the 40th minute. Alvin Hou converted a penalty in the 66th minute, and Alfia Aunga added another four minutes later. Jack Wale pulled one back for Ghupo in the 76th minute, but Hou completed his brace in the 83rd minute to seal the result. The victory followed Malaita’s remarkable 7-0 demolition of Honiara City in midweek, meaning the Kingz have scored 12 goals across their last two matches.

Southern United also enjoyed a productive weekend, defeating Honiara City FC 3-0 thanks entirely to Spensor Vaevo. The striker opened the scoring in the 26th minute, doubled the lead ten minutes later and completed his hat-trick four minutes after half-time. Vaevo, who had already scored three goals against KOSSA in August, continues to establish himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking players. Southern United’s victory also followed their emphatic 9-1 win over Laugu United the previous weekend.

KOSSA FC collected another three points with a 2-1 victory over Marist FC in Saturday’s opening encounter. Dickson Magi put KOSSA ahead in the 36th minute, but Danielson Gesini brought Marist level in the 68th minute. The equaliser was short-lived, however, as substitute John Nokia Gagame restored KOSSA’s advantage in the 75th minute, scoring what proved to be the winning goal.

Sunday’s other fixture saw SOSA FC and Laugu United FC share the points in a 1-1 draw. Steve Morris gave Laugu the lead in the 42nd minute, but Ronald Kivolyn equalised for SOSA in the 72nd minute. Neither side could find a winner, leaving both teams with a point from the encounter.

Following the weekend’s results, Malaita Kingz lead the provisional standings with 23 points from 12 matches, closely followed by Southern United with 22 points from 11 games. Green Shield sit third with 21 points from 11 matches, level with fourth-placed KOSSA, who have played one game fewer. Central Coast occupy fifth place with 17 points, but the defending champions remain unbeaten after seven matches, with five wins and two draws. Having played five fewer games than Malaita Kingz, they remain in a strong position to challenge for the title.

With Malaita Kingz, Southern United and KOSSA all recording victories, the latest round provided further movement among the teams competing near the top of the S-League. Yet the most consequential result may prove to be Green Shield’s late escape against Central Coast. With the reigning champions still having games in hand, the battle for the Solomon Islands championship remains far from settled.