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Super subs inspire victory

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 14 October 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Cashmere Technical suffered National League Championship heartache as a late City comeback inspired by its bench gives Navy Blues a come from behind 3-1 win at Kiwitea Street.

Lyle Matthysen's superb strike beyond young goalkeeper Joe Wallis midway through the second half gave Cashmere the lead after a rare momentary lapse from the home side set up a tense finale.

But Auckland City FC have demonstrated their resilience more than once this season and did so again when substitute Tong Zhou rattled home a brilliant volley with his weaker foot to leave goalkeeper Matthew Foord stranded with 12 minutes left.

For the former Chinese Super League player, it was a special moment to score his first goal for the club.

VIDEO - GOALS HIGHLIGHTS

The Navy Blues overcome Cashmere Technical 3-1 courtesy of goals by Tong Zhou, Emi Tade and Liam Gillion

#StrengthInUnity pic.twitter.com/YFrllAEmK5
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) October 14, 2023

Cashmere Technical clung on desperately as City took control of a frantic finish and the game looked up for the visitors when Andrew Storer was adjudged by referee Riley Greenbury to have fouled Emiliano Tade in the penalty box.

There was a long delay before the penalty kick was taken with Tade studiously taking his time before sweeping the ball beyond Foord to give City the lead for the first time in the game right on 90 minutes.

City's depth and quality told and four minutes into additional time Liam Gillion wriggled into space on Cashmere's left before letting loose with a low long range shot that skipped in front of Foord before rippling the back of the net.

With Wellington Olympic and Christchurch United both dropping points, City stretched its lead at the top of the table to four points with next week's Gridlock Derby with Eastern Suburbs at Madills Farm looming as a cracker.

VIDEO - Cashmere Technical take the lead

68' | 0-1

GOAL!!! Cashmere Technical take the lead at Kiwitea Street through Lyle Mathysen after some sustained attacking pressure. #ACvCT #NZNationalLeague #StrengthInUnity #NavyBlues pic.twitter.com/LJTJEFEa2Z
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) October 14, 2023

They may have to undertake that trip across SH2 without the services of Gerard Garriga who came off with an elbow injury in the second half.

A milestone of note saw former Junior Navy Blues graduate Nathan Lobo play his 50th match for Auckland City FC.

Coach Albert Riera paid tribute to the impact his substitutes had in earning the victory.

"The game was similar to the Napier game and so it proved. Cashmere compete very well and are comfortable without the ball and very well organised.

"We needed to improve our ball speed which is not always easy. We started the second half well but it seems that we sometimes need a slap in the face to engage the next gear which is happening far too often and we'll address that.

"I thought in general terms we played a very good game but we can be more incisive and dictate the tempo, when to slow things down, when to speed them up. Its very positive to have players impact off the bench.

"Our squad work very hard and its hard to get in to the starting eleven and the way to prove me wrong is when they come on and show me how good they are. In the last three or four games this is what has happened.

"We have quality on our bench, they aren't there to make up numbers. We're always trying to work teams out, wear teams down and build fatigue because the last 20 minutes is where you can win or lose games.

"When players get tired they make mistakes and when you have players like Liam Gillion, Emiliano Tade, Tong Zhou and Oliver Colloty with fresh legs, it can make all the difference."

Ends

Other Results
Wellington Olympic 2-2 Eastern Suburbs
Christchurch United 1-2 Manurewa
Petone 0-1 Auckland United
Wellington Phoenix Napier City Rovers

Match Result
National League Championship Round 4
Saturday 14 October 2023
Auckland City FC 3 (Tong ZHOU 78', Emiliano TADE 90'-pen, Liam GILLION 90'+4')
Cashmere Technical 1 (Lyle MATTHYSEN 67')
HT: 0-0.

AC: 24. Joe WALLIS (GK), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 7. Cam HOWIESON (c), 8. Gerard GARRIGA (22. Tong ZHOU), 9. Angus KILKOLLY (20. Emiliano TADE), 12. Regont MURATI (19. Liam GILLION), 14. Jordan VALE, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. Rayan TAYEB (17. Oliver COLLOTY).

SUBS NOT USED: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK).

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