City mark NZ return with victory at Westmere

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 2 June 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Following their victorious OFC Champions League campaign in Vanuatu, Auckland City FC have defeated Western Springs AFC 3-1 in their first match in nearly a month on home soil to kick off Round 12 of the Northern League on Friday night at Seddon Fields.

Joe Lee scored a first half brace but Springs pulled a goal back courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Christian Gray before Ryan De Vries made the points secure with a lovely finish.

The Navy Blues got off to the best possible start with Lee rounding Springs keeper Regan Diver to give his side the lead in the 4th minute in front of a good crowd at Westmere.

The visitors kept pressing and created a number of opportunities with Angus Kilkolly coming close to scoring on three occasions.

Kilkolly then got a golden opportunity to extend City’s lead following a foul on Dan Morgan inside the the box, only to blast his penalty attempt wide.

Minutes later Lee was gifted a chance by the Springs keeper and he took full advantage of Diver’s mistake by rolling into the empty net for his second of the match.

Springs came out with intent in the second half creating a number of chances and forcing  two crucial  saves from Conor Tracey.

However, the City custodian couldn’t do much about an unfortunate touch by Gray passing him to give a lifeline to the home side.

But any hopes of a Springs revival were snuffed out by OFC Champions League Golden Boot winner Ryan De Vries, who came off the bench to reestablish City’s two goal cushion with a typically controlled and composed finish.

The Navy Blues will now turn their attention to the Chatham Cup and another Dominion Road derby against Auckland United in three days time at Keith Hay Park.

Match Result
Northern League Round 12
Friday 2 June 2023
Seddon Fields, Westmere
Western Springs AFC 1 (Christian GRAY 71’ OG)
Auckland City FC 3  (Joe LEE 4’, 38’, Ryan DE VRIES 74’)

HT: 0-2

AC  1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 4. Christian GRAY,  6. Dan MORGAN (c), (15. Aidan CAREY 74’)  8. Gerard GARRIGA, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, (11. Ryan DE VRIES 58’), 13. Nathan LOBO, (12. Regont MURATI 58’),  16. Joseph LEE, (2. Mario ILICH 63’), 19. Liam GILLION, 21. Adam BELL, 22. Tong ZHOU,  26. Rayan TAYEB

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

 

NORTHERN LEAGUE R2

Friday 29 March 2024, Croatian Club, 3.00pm

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6 ES1010221
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12 ME1001040

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