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Navy Blues march on

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 7 April 2023

Auckland City FC overcame another slow start to brush aside Birkenhead United AFC 5-1 and make it three wins from three matches in the Northern League on Easter Friday at Kiwitea Street.

The game got off to the worst possible start for the hosts after falling behind in less than two minutes on the clock with Birkenhead skipper Luke Jorgensen converting from the penalty spot with a low drive aimed at the centre of Conor Tracey’s net.

Ryan De Vries came close to replying ten minutes later with the post coming to the rescue of the visitors following a good save from Croatian keeper Silvio Rodic.

But there was no stopping Gerard Garriga who confidently struck home from inside the box after being set up with a lovely backhill by De Vries to make it 1-all in the 26th minute.

VIDEO - Ryan De Vries scores!

86' | 4-1

GOAL!!! Ryan De Vries

At last a goal for De Vries - assists galore from Ryza today and a nice personal moment for him with a fine finish#StrengthInUnity #ACBU #NZNationalLeague pic.twitter.com/HhjwLIADPC
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) April 7, 2023

At the other end Tracey kept out Curtis Hughes from close range as the visitors piled on the pressure with three consecutive corners.

De Vries was in the thick of the action again with another superb assist, this time to Liam Gillion who smashed into the top right corner three minute before the break.

Gillion came close after the restart with his goal bound attempt cleared off the line by Dylon Hobson’s last ditch header and a minute later De Vries’ long range bullet crashed against the crossbar.

Emiliano Tade put the result beyond any doubt just minutes after coming on with a typically clinical finish in front of goal before De Vries picked out the top left corner with a classy strike as full time was approaching.

VIDEO - Liam Gillion scores!

42' | 2-1

GOAL!!!, Liam Gillion

Ryan De Vries is at it again! Brilliant run in behind and tees up Gillion who lashes home his second goal of the Northern League campaign! #StrengthInUnity #ACBU #NZNationalLeague pic.twitter.com/XteJoCrI9L
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) April 7, 2023

But there was still time for Dan Morgan to add another from inside the box to make it 5-1 in injury time.

The Navy Blues will next host Western Rangers FC on Easter Monday at Kiwitea Street.

Ends

Match Result
Northern League Round 3
Friday 7 April
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC 5 (Gerard GARRIGA 26', Liam GILLION 42', Emiliano TADE 72', Ryan De VRIES 87', Daniel MORGAN 90'+4')
Birkenhead United AFC 1 ( Luke JORGENSEN 2'-pen)
HT: 2-1

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) , 3. Adam MITCHELL, 5. Michael DEN HEIJER, 7. Cam HOWIESON (C), 8. Gerard GARRIGA ( 6. Daniel MORGAN 68'), 9. Angus KILKOLLY (20. Emiliano, TADE 68’), 11. Ryan De VRIES, 13. Nathan LOBO, 14. Jordan VALE, (12. Regent MURATI 75’), 16. Joe LEE (22. Tong ZHOU 61’), 19. Liam GILLION.

SUBS NOT USED: 24. Joe WALLIS (GK).

COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
TECHNICAL: Jarrod WALLACE
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE