The Green Island front three of Matt Brazier, Cam Anderson and Adam Hewson caused the Royals defence lots of problems with fast breaks early on.
Royals goalkeeper Liam Whittaker reacted quickly to close down the space as Brazier was through on goal with 25 minutes played. Hewson was making some skilful runs into the penalty box and the Royals defence timed their tackles well to deny him.
Royals’ Will Turner was also menacing and his skilful ball work nearly created a scoring opportunity but the Island broke forward and Anderson's darting run and shot ballooned off Kaleb DeGroot-Green and on to the post with 33 minutes played.
Green Island went close again, when an Aaron Allan header was cleared off the line. Green Island had the Royals pegged back and a long ball from Matt Mitchell forced Whittaker to pull off a classy save to deny Hewson.
Thunder and lightning lit up the sky at halftime and it certainly illuminated the Royals as they came out recharged and took control of the match. A long clearance forward was pounced on by Ryan Fleming and as the defenders let it bounced he bundled it home from 6m with 51 minutes played.
The Royals brought on Thomas Fisher for Fleming and with his pace and skill he soon created a chance as his shot hit a post.
Green Island introduced Bryon Heath and he nearly equalised when his long range scorcher bounced off the crossbar.
But about 20 seconds later, Connor Neil scored at the other end for the Royals, with 10 minutes left. Will Turner made the game safe three minutes from time when he caught the defence in possession and had a simple tap in.
Green Island scored a very late consolation goal through Alex Cox to make the final score 3-1.
The Royals are top of the table on goal difference.Otago University shares the same points as the Royals after a close 2-1 win over Queenstown in the resort.
Roslyn-Wakari is in third spot after a come-from-behind 4-2 victory over Wanaka, which held the lead twice.
Justin Wiechens was the saviour for Roslyn with two very well taken free kicks.
The match between Northern and Mosgiel at Forrester Park was called off early in the second half because of adverse weather conditions, with the score at 1-1.
Northern’s Harry Fraser opened the scoring at the start of the second half and Mosgiel’s Rhys Quarrell responded immediately on the counter.
- Neville Watson
