Search Results

Mixed emotions as Junior Navy Blues make history

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 9 December 2019

Picture: Phototek

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand - Three-in-a-row title winning coach Kris Bright admits it was a case of mixed emotions as his Junior Navy Blues completed an historic title victory on the last day of the season.

The former All Whites and Navy Blues striker saw his youngsters drop six crucial points mid-season then stage a dramatic surge to the title that went down to the wire and required a last gasp goal from Deandre Vollenhoven to seal the deal.

Bright was proud of his youngsters who at one stage dropped to third on the ladder only for league leaders Waitakere United to stutter in the final weeks.

That still required Bright's team to dig deep and come up with a winning run following a spate of injuries and unavailability.

"Mixed emotions really. It's a shame it's all over. It's only nine games we had three months together and the boys have grown and grown and to finish the way we did in the last few minutes was brilliant.

"To see them put in the hard work over three months and to win a league like this I'm happy with it and I'm pleased for the players," he told www.aucklandcityfc.com.

With the score tied one each entering additional time and Hamilton Wanderers going into a 2-1 lead at home to Waitakere United, Auckland City FC desperately needed a goal to overhaul the Waikato side right at the death.

Did Bright believe it would come four minutes into additional time?

AUDIO ' Mixed emotions for Junior Navy Blues boss' - Kris Bright

"I did think it would come. We were attacking really well and created a lot of chances. We hit the post, we hit the bar.

"It's good Deandre scored - he's been working very hard at Central United and Auckland City FC for the last 12-18 months.

"Matt Ellis did the same thing, Brad Wilson did the same thin," he said.

Once Vollenhoven's effort hit the back of the net, Hamilton Wanderers' 2-1 advantage as rendered meaningless as Auckland City FC's superior goal difference gave them the title on the first tie-breaker in the competition regulations.

In previous seasons, Auckland City FC had pinched the title on the last day based on a head-to-head regulation. 

That regulation was changed prior to the start of the new season.

While that administrative switch played a minor yet significant part in proceedings, Bright was reflective as the National Youth League shuts down permanently after 19 seasons.

"It's a shame it's the last one. It's bitter sweet in that sense that we won't get to do it again next year.

"It was good to get the boys together in September who aren't part of the National League squads but to end it like we did in the last few minutes - they're a good group of boys and I couldn't be happier for them.

"The players were certainly enjoying themselves in the dressing room after the game so it should be a nice quiet flight home.

VIDEO - Deandre Vollenhoven scores title winning goal

"The first team and the youth team have been very very closely aligned this season with 21 of the 23 players have trained with the first team at least once and there has been a core of eight players doing so regularly.

"It's been a great effort from everyone involved including people like Blair Shaw behind the scenes and the backing from the board like Ivan Vuksich and his team who come to every game.

"It's great the club have shown the importance around this team and hopefully a few of the players can kick on and be involved in the first team and perhaps even the OFC Champions League campaign - they are a great group of boys and a credit to the club," he said.

ROLL OF HONOUR - NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE

2020 - Auckland City FC
2019 - Auckland City FC
2018 - Auckland City FC
2017 - Hamilton Wanderers
2016 - Team Wellington
2015 - Nelson Marlborough Falcons
2014 - Auckland City FC
2013 - Auckland City FC
2012 - Canterbury United
2011 - Waitakere United
2010 - Canterbury United
2009 - Auckland City FC
2008 - Waitakere United
2007 - Auckland City FC
2006 - Capital Football
2005 - Capital Football
2004 - North Harbour
2003 - Capital Football
2002 - Auckland Football

MOST TITLES
7 - Auckland City FC
3 - Capital Football
2 - Canterbury United, Waitakere United
1 - Hamilton Wanderers, North Harbour, Auckland Football, Nelson Marlborough Falcons, Team Wellington 

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