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Navy Blues go top after win over Rovers
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC took top spot in the National League Championship after a 3-0 win over Napier City Rovers at Kiwitea Street today.
Napier City Rovers came to Sandringham on National League business for the first time in 28 years on a day where they thrashed Central United FC 8-1.
That proved a distant memory for the visitors after they found themselves a goal down courtesy of a well taken Joe Lee goal on 16 minutes.
Second half goals by Emiliano Tade and Jordan Vale completed a comfortable margin of victory but the outcome could've been different were it not for a wonder save by Conor Tracey on the stroke of half time.
Rovers created six scoring chances inside the opening half hour but failure to take advantage of those opportunities proved costly as City took control of the game in the second half.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) October 23, 2022
Auckland City FC remembers the life and loss of one of Kiwitea Street's favourite sons - Keryn Jordan
1 November 1975 - 21 October 2013
#StrengthInUnity
| @PhototekNZ pic.twitter.com/blll80AGVk
The game was also made poignant by the presence of Argentina women's national team coach German Portanova who was in town for last night's glittering FIFA Women's World Cup draw at Aotea Centre last night.
It was also a day of remembrance as the club recognised the passing of club legend Keryn Jordan who passed away on October 21, 2013.
With Wellington Olympic beating Birkenhead United 2-0 on Saturday and Auckland United edging Miramar Rangers 1-0, the chase for the two grand final berths ratcheted up a notch.
Three points seperate City, Olympic and the two Uniteds with five rounds left to play including next week's blockbuster Dominion Road derby at Keith Hay Park next Saturday.
Coach Albert Riera was happy with the result that puts City at the top of the table for the first time.
"It was not an easy game especially against a team like Napier that came here unbeaten.
"Bill Robertson has his team very well organised and they know what they're doing.
"We suspected they would try not to concede and prevent through balls and Kiwitea Street is not a big pitch.
"We wanted to attacked very quickly and at half time we talked about a few things and got better in the second half and I'm very happy with the result and performance and three points," he said.
"When you play for Auckland City FC as a goalkeeper you have a big job to do so when big moments come along you need your keeper to produce special saves and Conor made a crucial save.
"Joe Lee's understanding of the game is very good for his age.He understands the way we play and his role and he fits into that very well.
"I spoke with him after the game and he feels he's getting better and better but he still has some work to do.
"It's great to see Joe has ambition, he's a humble guy and he's a very skilful player and I'm pleased for him.
SNAPSHOT - #SelecciónFemenina@FIFAWWC rolled into Auckland's Aotea Centre and #SelecciónFemenina national team coach German Portanova watched our #NZNationalLeague clash with @NCR_fc today!
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) October 23, 2022
| @PhototekNZ
#StrengthInUnity #fifawomensworldcup #SelecciónFemenina pic.twitter.com/f8FiRQCESS
"Jordan Vale is a very versatile player and we don't see him shooting very often because of the position he plays in but he possesses a very good strike with both feet.
"He does that a lot in training and in the warm up so it was pleasing to see him score today.
"We're going to enjoy the feeling of today's win which was important because of how good the teams are in the National League Championship.
"We're top of the table and that's not easy to do. Auckland United have won away at Miramar so next week's game which is a derby is one to look forward to," he said.
All Whites midfielder Cam Howieson returns from suspension to further strengthen Riera's squad.
In other results, Melville United lost 3-1 at home to Cashmere Technical, Christchurch United stumbled in a 3-1 defeat to the Wellington Phoenix.
Next week's Dominion Road derby is scheduled for Saturday 29 October at Keith Hay Park at 3.00pm NZDT.
Ends
Match Result
National League Championship 2022
Sunday 23 October 2022
Auckland City FC 3 (Joe LEE 16', Emiliano TADE 62'-pen, Jordan VALE 88')
Napier City Rovers 0
HT: 1-0.
AC: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 2. Mario ILICH, 3. Adam MITCHELL, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 9. Angus KILKOLLY (11. Ryan DE VRIES), 12. Sam BROTHERTON, 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Aidan CAREY (17. Reid DRAKE), 16. Joe LEE (10. Dylan MANICKUM), 20. Emiliano TADE, 22. Adam BELL (5. Angel BERLANGA).
SUBS NOT USED: 24. Cam BROWN (GK).
COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GOALKEEPER COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
MANAGER: Keith COTON
ANALYST: Adria CASALS
TECHNICAL: Jarrod WALLACE
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
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Player Profiles
Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 22 | 7 | 18 |
| 2 |  | WS | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 6 | 18 |
| 3 |  | BU | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 13 |
| 4 |  | ES | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 7 | 12 |
| 5 |  | BO | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| 6 |  | MN | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 10 |
| 7 |  | AU | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 9 |
| 8 |  | TC | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 19 | 6 |
| 9 |  | MU | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 25 | 3 |
| 10 |  | WR | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 2 |
| 11 |  | EB | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 2 |
| 12 |  | HW | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 18 | 2 |
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