City claim outright lead with win at Takapuna

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 12 August 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC defeated Takapuna AFC 2-0 on Saturday afternoon at Taharoto Park to go two points clear at the top of the Northern League table with only three rounds remaining,

Angus Kilkolly was the Navy Blues’ hero scoring both of his side’s goals in the first half while City’s title rivals Eastern Suburbs were held to a 1-all draw by Bay Olympic at Madills Farm.

The visitors were in control from the outset with Joe Lee coming close to scoring before Liam Gillion clipping the crossbar and Angus Kilkolly forcing a save from Luca Taylor.

But Taylor couldn’t do anything about Kilkolly’s second attempt on target with the City striker smashing home from inside the box to give his side a deserved lead in the 35th minutes.

Kilkolly made it 2-nil five minutes later after rounding Taylor to finish into an empty net.

The Navy Blues kept their foot on the pedal after the break with Tong Zhou and Gillion both looking dangerous.

Albert Riera’s men were also solid at the back with young keeper Joe Wallis largely untroubled throughout the match.

The 2-0 win combined with Eastern Suburbs’ draw with Bay Olympic means the defending champions will go into the last three round of the Northern League two points clear at the top.

City will host the Hamilton Wanderers at Kiwitea Street in Round 20 of the competition on Saturday, 19 August.

Match Result
Northern League Round 19
Saturday 12 August 2023
Taharoto Park, Takapuna
Takapuna AFC : 0
Auckland City FC: 2 (Angus KILKOLLY 35, 40’)

HT: 0-2

AC - 24- Joe WALLIS (GK),, 3-Adam MITCHELL, 4-Christian GRAY, ( 2- Mario ILICH, 61’), 5-Michael DEN HEIJER, 9- Angus KILKOLLY, (11- Ryan DE VRIES 61’), 13- Nathan LOBO, 14-Jordan VALE, 16-.Joe LEE, Takuya IWATA 81’), 19- Liam GILLION, 20- Tong ZHOU (8. Gerard GARRIGA 72’) ,26- Rayan TAYEB

SUBS NOT USED 1- Conor TRACEY (GK),

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