Navy Blues hit top gear

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 23 October 2016

Picture: Phototek

It was normal service resumed as Auckland City FC swept aside reigning champions Team Wellington 4-0 at Kiwitea Street today.

Upset 1-0 by revitalised arch-rvials Waitakere United in the season opener on the same stage last week, Auckland City FC cut a more ruthless look dealing with a reshaped Wellington opponent.

Set-pieces were tightened, aerial attacks dealt with firmly. This was Auckland City FC somewhere near their best but doubts lingered after a scoreless first 30 minutes.

But any fears Auckland City FC supporters harboured in front of goal were dealt with when Emiliano Tade smashed home from close range after an assist from Joao Moreira on 32 minutes.

Moreira doubled the advantage with a goal of the highest quality bang on halftime to leave the champions hopes of taking something from their visit dangling by a thread.

Matters worsened for the champions 13 minutes after the restart when Moreira turned supplier again this time working a ball into the path of Ryan De Vries whose pace and touch took him clear of the Team Wellington defence.

Scott Basalaj, who had a man of the match performance in last year's grand final at QBE Stadium, was powerless as De Vries tucked his finish away low to his opponent's left to make it 3-0.


The margin of victory blew out when Moreira scored from the penalty mark after De Vries was bundled over in the box with 15 minutes to go.

Referee Nick Waldron also blew out, departing the match with an injury.

The margin of victory equalled Auckland City FC's biggest win over Team Wellington in the regular season since 2006-07 when the Navy Blues beat the Capital Men 6-2 away.

Striker Emiliano Tade says the result was the perfect reaction to the Waitakere United loss.

"It's not that we were better this week than last but more this is how we play and how we define ourselves.

"This is Auckland City FC, this is our style and this is what we can do, what we are capable of, and perhaps even more.

"Last week was not the real Auckland City FC. When you score four goals you can say everyone played well, especially the strikers or whoever scores," he said.

Tade was pleased with the Navy Blues performance but reserved praise for fellow forward Joao Moreira as thoughts turn to the next match at home to Tasman United.

"Joao was good, he was a key for us with a penalty and his assists. Tasman United is a tricky game for us.

"We don't know how they play, they're new to the competition, new team, new squad, new players - it will be tough.

"We have to keep going, keep growing no matter what lies ahead of us," Tade said.

Auckland City FC's next match is at home to Stirling Sports Premiership newcomers Tasman United at Kiwitea Street on Saturday 29 October at 2pm.

Ends

Match Result
Stirling Sports Premiership
Sunday 23 October 2016
Auckland City FC 4 (Emiliano Tade 32', Joao Moreira 45', 76'-pen, Ryan De Vries 58')
Team Wellington 0
Halftime: 2-0

Related Articles

NORTHERN LEAGUE R3

Monday 1 April 2024, Kiwitea Street, 3.00pm

AC
vs
TC
Player Profiles
Table
Position P W D L F A Pts
1 TC1100403
2 AC1100303
3 MN1100303
4 BO1100213
5 WS1100323
6 ES1010221
7 WC1010221
8 BU1001230
9 ES1001120
10 AU1001030
11 EB1001030
12 ME1001040

Full Ladder

Friends of Football
Photo Gallery
Facebook
Twitter
Auckland City FC Social