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Garriga brace sinks Wanderers

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 19 August 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC defeated Hamilton Wanderers 2-0 courtesy of two superb second half strikes by Gerard Garriga to stay firmly in control of their Northern League title defence on Saturday afternoon at Kiwitea Street.

The game kicked off with a couple of early chances at both ends with Liam Gillion blasting his attempt over crossbar while Derek Tieku forcing a brilliant save from Joe Wallis.

City had plenty of possession but were unable the breakdown the Wanderers’ well organised defence.

The best opportunity of the opening half came in the final minute with Tieku looking certain to score inside the Navy Blues box only to be denied by Nathan Lobo and Adam Mitchell who combined for a superb defensive block.

Tieku tested Wallis once again after the break but the young City keeper kept his composure to deny the Ghana-born striker.

Ryan De Vries hit the side of the net and Christian Gray headed above the crossbar as City ramped up the pressure

And the home side took full advantage of their dominance thanks to a brilliant drive by Gerard Garriga.

The Spaniard almost grabbed his second before Gray’s header was kept out by Matthew Oliver who also denied Gillion in a one-on-one situation as City poured forward looking to put the result beyond the Wanderers’ reach.

And Garriga did just that with an even better strike in the 89th minute.

There was some late drama as rising City star Stipe Ukich made a eye-catching run before being fouled inside the box but Angus Kilkolly flashed his conversation attempt just wide.

With only two rounds to go in the Northern League, the leaders will travel to South Auckland to face Manurewa next Saturday.

Match Result
Northern League Round 20
Saturday 19 August 2023
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC: 2 (Gerard GARRIGA 73’, 89’)
Hamilton Wanderers AFC: 0

HT: 0-0

AC - 24- Joe WALLIS (GK), 3-Adam MITCHELL (C), (2- Mario ILICH 89’), 4-Christian GRAY, 5-Michael DEN HEIJER, 8- Gerard GARRIGA, 11- Ryan DE VRIES, 13- Nathan LOBO, 14-Jordan VALE, 16-.Joe LEE, (27- Stipe UKICH 86’), 19- Liam GILLION (9- Angus KILKOLLY 89’), 26- Rayan TAYEB (20- Tong ZHOU, 67’)

SUBS NOT USED 1- Sebastian CIGANDA (GK)

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