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City prevail despite Tommy’s heroics

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 22 April 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Melville United keeper Max Tommy produced a string of fantastic saves to frustrate Auckland City before Joe Lee scored a second half brace to help the Navy Blues to a hard-fought 3-1 victory in round 6 of the Northern League on Saturday afternoon at Kiwitea street.

Despite playing the majority of the match with 10 men, led by their custodian the visitors repelled chance after chance only to fall short in the closing stages of a fascinating encounter.

During the lively opening exchanges Lee, Aidan Carey and Angus Kilkolly have all been denied by the brilliance of the Melville gloveman while Erik Panzer also chipped in with a crucial goal-line clearance before giving the visitors the lead at the other end.

Conor Tracey did well to keep Dylan Williams out but the City goalie had no chance against Panzer who pounced on the rebound to drive home for a 1-0 lead.

The Navy Blues were back on level terms midway through the first half as Liam Gillion linked up with Kilkolly who smashed into the roof of the net.

Emiliano Tade and Gillion both tested Tommy before the visitors put themselves under even more pressure when Panzer received his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

City poured forward and Jordan Vale forced another great diving save to conclude the first half.

Carey put the ball into the net just minutes after the break but the flag went up for offside.

Lee came agonisingly close going just inches wide before Tommy produced another class save.

But Lee couldn’t be denied a third time, finishing a cross from Gillion to break the deadlock in the 74th minute.

And the City midfielder grabbed his second of the match nine minutes later, finishing a superb assist from Ryan De Vries to put the result beyond any doubt to the relief of the home fans.

City will next face Eastern Suburbs in Round 7 of the Northern League.

Ends

Match Result
Northern League Round 6
Saturday, 22 April
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC: 3 (Angus KILKOLLY 23’, Joe LEE 75', 82’)
Melville United AFC: (Erik PANZER 16’)

HT: 1-1

AC:,1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 2. Mario ILICH, (5. Michael DEN HEIJER, 65’), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, 12. Regont MURATI, 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Aiden CAREY, (22. Tong ZHOU 72’), 16. Joe LEE, 19. Liam GILLION, 20. Emiliano TADE (C), (11. Ryan DE VRIES, 58’), 21. Adam BELL (13. Nathan LOBO, 65’)

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