Navy Blues bag points in Hamilton

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 22 July 2023

HAMILTON, New Zealand - Joe Lee netted in the second half to help Auckland City FC to a hard-fought 1-nil win over Melville United AFC to remain on top of the Northern League after 17 rounds in a match in which Takuya Iwata set a major personal milestone.

Saturday’s match at Gower Park was a memorable occasion for the 40-year-old Japanese maestro who turned back to clock to impress from start to finish in his 150th appearance for the Navy Blues.

The result also means that City have sealed their spot in the 2023 National League by securing a spot in the top-four of the Northern League with six games to spare.

But Albert Riera’s men were made to work hard for the win by the well organised hosts who went toe-to-toe with the league leaders from the kick-off.

During a tense first half City keeper Joe Wallis was the first to distinguish himself with a brilliant save before Melville gloveman Max Tommy came to his side’s rescue to deny Ryan De Vries at the other end.

The Navy Blues showed plenty of intent after the break and they broke the deadlock courtesy of Lee who cooly slotted home from inside the box on the 52nd minute.

Skipper Cam Howieson unleashed a vicious long range drive, Rayan Tayeb and De Vries both came close to scoring and Liam Gillion missed a golden opportunity to double City’s advantage leaving the door open for Melville.

With time fast running out the hosts pushed forwards looking for an equaliser but the Navy Blues held their nerves to seal the points and notch up another clean sheet in the process.

With Chatham Cup action resuming, Auckland City will have next weekend off before taking on title rivals Eastern Suburbs in a mouthwatering top-of-the- table clash on Saturday 5 August.

Ends

Match Result
Northern League Round 17
Saturday 22 July 2023
Gower Park, Hamilton
Melville United : 0
Auckland City FC: 1 (Joe LEE 52’)

HT: 0-0

AC - 24- Joe WALLIS (GK), 2- Mario ILICH, 3- Adam MITCHELL, 4-Christian GRAY, 7- Cam HOWIESON (c), 11- Ryan DE VRIES, 14. Jordan VALE, 16-.Joe LEE, 19-Liam GILLION, (9- Angus KILKOLLY, 88’), 25-Takuya IWATA, 26- Rayan TAYEB, (5-Michael DEN HEIJER, 74’)

SUBS NOT USED - 18-Sebastian CIGANDA (GK), 15. Aiden CAREY, 22- Tong ZHOU

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