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Navy Blues claim derby honours

Words: ACFC media

Saturday 15 April 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Liam Gillion struck either side of the break to steer Auckland City FC to a crucial 2-0 victory over Auckland United FC in the Dominion Road derby in which Emiliano Tade set another club record.

The Navy Blues were determined to bounce back after a disappointing draw with Wests Coast Rangers on Easter Monday, but it was the hosts who grabbed the initiative to dominate possession in windy conditions at Keith Hay Park during the early exchanges.

After withstanding some early pressure Albert Riera’s men have settled into their task ahead with Nathan Lobo using his pace on the left and Ryan De Vries looking dangerous.

Gillion and Jordan Vale combined well on the right side of the pitch as the Navy Blues looked increasingly threatening.

And they were finally rewarded for their work when skipper Cam Howieson’s cross fell perfectly for Gillion who took full advantage to break the deadlock by whipping the ball into the top right corner two minutes before the break.

Gillion doubled his match tally and his side’s lead three minutes after the restart with another brilliant finish, and he had a chance to complete his hat-trick when he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Mack Waite, forcing the United gloveman into a great save.

In the 80th minute Emiliano Tade came off the bench to set yet another club record, with the prolific striker becoming Auckland City’s most capped player with 230 games for the Navy Blues.

And the Argentine striker came agonisingly close to mark the occasion shooting just wide after being set up by Gillion.

Meanwhile the hosts had the ball in the back of net following a good finish by Ish Sing-Dhillon but the flag went up for offside.

Following two defeats in their past two visits to Keith Hay Park, the Navy Blues were delighted to come away with a well deserved victory and bragging rights from Mt Roskill.

City will next face Melville United in Round 6 of the Northern League.

Ends

Match Result
Northern League Round 5
Saturday 15 April
Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill
Auckland United FC: 0
Auckland City FC: 2 (Liam GILLION 43’, 48’)

HT: 0-1

AC:, 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 5. Michael DEN HEIJER, 7. Cam HOWIESON (C), (6. Daniel MORGAN 79’) 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, (12. Regont MURATI 79’) 11. Ryan DE VRIES, (20. Emiliano TADE 80') 13. Nathan LOBO, 14. Jordan VALE, 16. Jo LEE, (10. Dylan MANICKUM 72’) 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