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Navy Blues held by Rangers

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 10 April 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC were forced to settle for a share of the points following a hard fought 1-all draw with West Coast Rangers in Round 4 of the Northern League on Easter Monday at Kiwitea Street.

In a keenly contested first half Gerard Garriga came the closest to scoring for the home side with a well struck low drive in the 20th minute that forced a good save from Rangers goalie Damien Hirst.

The West Coast keeper was again called into action to keep out Dylan Manickum’s attempt on target with the half-time break approaching, while at the other end Jason Kay found himself in a good position but was unable to control the ball at his feet letting the chance gone begging.

After the break Jo Allen tested Hirst with a stinging strike from 20 meters out.

West Coast were reduced to ten men in the 55th minute following a straight red card to captain Dev Pokhrel for a dangerous challenge on Garriga who limped off the field and was replaced by Tong Zhou.

Ryan De Vries also came off the bench as the Navy Blues pushed forward to force home their numerical advantage.

However it was the visitors who grabbed the lead against the run of play with Allan Pearce using all his experience to convert from the penalty spot following a foul on Miles Palmer inside the box.

De Vries thought he scored after passing the keeper but the ball didn’t cross the line allowing Levi Wilson to produce a last ditch clearance.

But De Vries couldn’t be denied a second time as he restored parity with a clinical finish in the 75th minute.

Joe Lee’s bullet from inside the box crashed against the crossbar as City piled on the pressure.

Rangers finished the game with nine men after Pearce received his marching orders for a second booking deep into injury time but the visitors managed to hold on for a draw.

Match Result
Northern League Round 4
Monday 10 April
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC: 1 Ryan De VRIES 74'
West Coast Rangers FC: 1 Allan PEARCE (PEN) 67"

HT: 0-0

AC:, 24, Joe WALLIS, (GK), 2. Mario ILICH, 6. Daniel MORGAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, (22. Tong ZHOU, 57') 10. Dylan MANICKUM, (11. Ryan De VRIES, 62') 12. Regent MURATI, 15. Aidan CAREY, 16. Jo LEE, 19. Liam GILLION, 20. Emiliano TADE 20 (C), 21. Adam BELL

SUBS NOT USED: 1.Conor TRACEY (GK), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 23. Ryan TAYEB.

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