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U-23s forced to settle for draw but remain on top

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 19 August 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC U-23 and the Hamilton Wanderers Reserves have settled for a share of the points following a 1-1 draw at the Croatian Cultural Club on Saturday afternoon.

Elsewhere, City’s title rivals Bay Olympic defeated Takapuna 3-0 to close the gap on the defending champions.

With only two rounds to go Valerio Raccuglia’s charges still hold their destiny in their own hands by sitting on top of the Lotto NRFL Premiership table one point clear of Olympic.

It was one-way traffic in the first half with the young Navy Blues dominating both possession and territory from the outset.

Matthew Murayiro Matanyayire had the ball in the back of the net in the 14th minute following a composed finish but his celebrations were cut short as the flag went up for offside.

Auckland City took a well deserved lead into the break courtesy of Ryan Revill who tapped in front of goal after being set up by Matanyayire inside the box.

In the second half Matanyayire crashed his header against the crossbar before both him and Revill forced a good saves from Wanderers keeper Conor Jamieson.

Those misses proved costly as the visitors grabbed an equaliser courtesy of their skipper Jayden Gozdz who cooly converted from the penalty spot after a foul on Nathan Gill.

The Navy Blues had a golden chance to restore their lead a minute later when they were awarded a penalty at the other end but Adam Bell’s attempt was well kept out by Jamieson.

With time fast running out Revill, Caleb Moosbally and Matanyayire all had good chances to win it while City keeper Reon Werahiko produced a brilliant save in injury time as the Wanderers almost stole all three points against the run of play.

They young Navy Blues will next visit 10th placed Manurewa AFC U-23 on Saturday, 26 August in South Auckland.

Match Result
Lotto NRFL U-23 Premier Division Round 20
Saturday 19 August 2023
Croatian Cultural Club , Te Atatu South
Auckland City FC U23: 1 (Ryan REVILL 37’)
Hamilton Wanderers Reserves : 1 (Jayden GOZDZ 56’)

HT: 1–0

AC: 1.Reon WERAHIKO GK), 4. Jesse GAGE (c), 5. Aiden Carey (3. Mario YUGOVICH, 60’), 6. Riley SEXTON, 8. Matthew Murayiro MATANYAYIRE, 10. Caleb MOOSBALLY, (9. Woodie WILSON 80’), 12. Jeremy FOO, 14. Ryan REVILL, 15. Luka VICELICH, 17. Oscar DUFFY, (20. Neo Noah ECKSTEIN 75’), 21. Adam BELL

SUBS NOT USED : 18. Nicolas EVANS (GK), 19. Mason SAVAGE

HEAD COACH: Valerio RACCUGLIA
ASSISTANT COACH: Alfie ROGERS
TEAM MANAGER: Dinesh CHAND