City claim tense derby win to stay on course

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 14 July 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC have put their disappointing Chatham Cup exit behind them by defeating local rivals Auckland United FC 2-1 in a closely contested and entertaining Matariki Holiday Dominion Road Derby to commence Round 16 of the Northern League on Friday afternoon.

Prior to kick-off Kiwitea Street observed a moment of silence in honour of former Central United Women’s assistant coach Graeme McRae who sadly passed away this week at the age of 51.

Ryan De Vries was the first on target to carry on with his remarkable goalscoring run which now stretches to 12 successive games before Joe Lee netted to give the Navy Blues a two goal cushion at the break.

Although the first half was dominated by the Navy Blues with both De Vries and Lee coming close to adding to their tally as well as Liam Gillion and Nathan Lobo forcing good saves from Mack Waite, the home side didn’t have it all their way as Oliver Middleton flashed just wide from close range, before Joshua Redfearn was denied by a last gasp goal-line clearance from Jordan Vale and Daniel Atkinson’s header narrowly missing the target.

City’s young keeper Joe Wallis was called into action by Redfearn early in the second half while the crossbar came to Auckland United’s rescue at the other end.

The visitors were well and truly back in the contest in the 65th minute courtesy of a brilliant strike by Middleton before Xavier Green blasted over the crossbar to the relief of the Kiwitea faithfuls.

With the game in the balance the Navy Blues created a number of chances to put the result beyond any doubt with Angus Kilkolly peppering the visitors’ goal with three attempts in quick succession.

And the Navy Blues were almost punished for their misses with Green striking Wallis’s post at the other end of the filed in injury time.

However, Albert Riera’s charges held their nerves when it counted the most to bag the points and ensure they will end the weekend still on top of the Northern League ladder.

Ends

Match Result
Northern League Round 16
Friday 14July 2023
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC: 2 (Ryan DE VRIES 13, Joe LEE 18’)
Auckland United FC:1 (Oliver MIDDLETON 66’)

HT: 2-0

AC - 18. Joe WALLIS (GK), 2- Mario ILICH, 3- Adam MITCHELL, 4-Christian GRAY, 7- Cam HOWIESON (c), (5-Michael DEN HEIJER, 79’), 11- Ryan DE VRIES, 13-Nathan LOBO, 14. Jordan VALE, 16-.Joe LEE, (9- Angus KILKOLLY, 75’), 19-Liam GILLION, 26- Rayan TAYEB (22- Tong ZHOU 71’)

SUBS NOT USED 1. Conor TRACEY, 15. Aiden CAREY,

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