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U-23s unbeaten run continues

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 15 April 2022

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC U-23s unbeaten start to the season continued after a solid 4-1 win over Waiheke United today.

Waiheke United gave a great account of themselves but couldn't overcome a Navy Blues U-23 team that looks to be growing in confidence and form each week.

Marcel Stoddard gave Auckland City FC the lead when he clipped a clever chip over the goalkeeper and in off the post after just 15 minutes.

Waiheke United, with a small groupm of supporters behind them, gave a spirited performance without making a clear, clean-cut chance.

The half looked to have slipped from the visitors grasp when Stipe Ukich was bundled over for a penalty only for the United goalkeeper to make a superb save low to his left.

The visitors took heart from that moment but their main threat came from setplays.

It was from one of these set plays that the Navy Blues punished United when Ukich raced clear before teeing up Will Eng to score just before halftime.

It was Eng's fifth goal of the season to date.

GOAL!! Will Eng makes it 2-0 for the U-23s

42’ | 2-0

GOAL!!!, #NavyBlues U-23

Stipe Ukich breaks clear and squares for Will Eng who has an easy finish to double the lead! #StrengthInUnity pic.twitter.com/NZfw3jtyiF
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) April 15, 2022

Auckland City FC U-23 dominated the second half in terms of possession and chances but Waiheke proved a constant threat from set plays.

Waiheke's determination was richly rewarded ten minutes after the restart when Ashley Mutize took advantage of a risky Navy Blues play to stab home a goal that was met with rapturous welcome by the away support.

That concern was aleviated when Louie Danielson capitalised on some tired United defending to prod the ball home with seven minutes left to play.

Max Sutton put the icing on the Navy Blues cake when he added a fourth deep into additional time.

Match Reaction - Kris Bright

Coach Kris Bright was understandably happy with the performance and result and paid tribute to the away team.

"It's a beautiful day for football and it was great to see and hear the drums of the Waiheke United supporters.

"Overall it was a very very good win but Waiheke United have some very good players who made it hard for us.

GOAL!!! Marcel Stoddard scores the opening goal

15’ | 1-0

GOAL!!!, #NavyBlues U-23

Marcel Stoddard gives City the lead with a delicate chip in off the post!#StrengthInUnity pic.twitter.com/W5CgI8HKgq
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) April 15, 2022

"We could've been better in transition. We work hard when we have the ball but we don't work hard enough without it.

"And that's all over the pitch.

"I think its good our subs all did very well which shows the quality and depth we have in this squad," Bright said.

Match Reaction - Marcel Stoddard

Marcel Stoddard, scorer of the Navy Blues opener, was also in positive mood afterwards.

"We started the game slow and didn't really play as well as we could but in the second half we regathered and got on top of them.

"I had a really bad miss against Takapuna AFC and I haven't been well so it was just good to get on the scoresheet.

"Its a very different experience to play in a game where the supporters make such a loud noise.

"It was a good atmosphere and I'm always up for playing in a game which is a good experience," he said.

Ends

Match Details
Lotto NRFL U-23 Premier Division
Friday 15 April 2022
Croatian Cultural Society
Auckland City FC U-23 4 (Marcel STODDARD 15', Will ENG 42', Louie DANIELSON 83', Max SUTTON 90'+3')
Waiheke United U-23 1 (Ashley MUTIZE 55')
HT: 2-0.

AC: 1. Finn DOCKERTY (GK), 2. Jesse GAGE, 3. Riley SEXTON (11. Max SUTTON 72'), 5. Marcel STODDARD, 9. William ENG (14. Sam CLEGG 49'), 10. Thomas HOLMES (17. Ethan FOO 85'), 15. Louie DANIELSON, 16. Rayan TAYEB, 19. Stipe UKICH, 22. Kristoff MULLER (2. Woodie WILSON 72'), 23. Adam BELL ( 6. Miguel MURILLO 72').

COACH: Kris BRIGHT.
ASSISTANT COACH: Paul DRAKE.

MATCH OFFICIAL
REFEREE: Glen LOCHRIE.