Despite a blistering start and an early lead, the Vanuatu United FC battled uphill for much of the game today against a spirited Melbourne side.

That advantage arrived just 57 seconds in when Luka Coveny’s under-hit pass back to goalkeeper Jake Charlston was seized upon by Alex Saniel, who finished first time to stun South Melbourne.

The upcoming hosts responded well to the setback. Jordan Swibel went close to an equalizer, forcing Matt Acton into a sharp save from close range, before playing a key role moments later.

Swibel’s shot struck the base of the post, and Lucas Inglese reacted quickest to turn in the rebound from close range.

Vanuatu United’s fast start soon felt a distant memory when they were reduced to ten men shortly after conceding. Robea Haruel’s high challenge prompted a VAR review, and referee Cory Mills had little hesitation in producing a red card.

South Melbourne capitalized on their numerical advantage just before half-time. Yuki Uchida won a corner, and the Japanese forward rose to head in at the near post deep into stoppage time.

Any hopes of a second-half response were quickly dented when Vanuatu United were reduced to nine men.

Kerry Iawak, already on a caution, was judged to have brought down Uchida on the edge of the area and was shown a second yellow card.

The task grew tougher still when Mills awarded a penalty following a VAR check for handball. Swibel stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot kick to make it 3–1.

To their credit, Vanuatu United refused to fold and were handed a lifeline when Saniel bundled the ball home from a corner, the ball deflecting in off his knee to reduce the deficit to one.

There would be no dramatic comeback, however, inside the final ten minutes Acton failed to control the ball, and when it was returned into the six-yard box, Swibel was on hand to tap into an unguarded net.

A fifth goal followed late in stoppage time, as Andrew Mesourouni curled a superb free kick into the top corner beyond the reach of the outstretched Acton.

There was still time for one final dismissal, with William Cardona shown red seconds before full-time to cap a chaotic contest.

The result sees South Melbourne FC consolidate second place, now just four points behind Auckland FC, while Vanuatu United head into Round 3 still searching for their first win.