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First half whirlwind sets up victory
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - A whirlwind first half display helped Auckland City FC to a comfortable 3-0 win over Auckland United under lights on a pristine Keith Hay Park tonight.
Albert Riera's looked to be headed to the league's summit after a devastating opening period in which veteran midfielder Tong Zhou and the pacey Liam Gillion all netted.
City eased off somewhat after the break, but substitute Ryan De Vries scored his 97th senior goal for the club to add further gloss to the scoreline.
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) March 22, 2024
After a period on the back foot the Navy Blues go further in front as Ryan De Vries makes it 3#WeAreNavyBlue pic.twitter.com/lChBgLNfV7
Last week's stunning comeback in the capital that clinched qualification for the OFC Champions League helped boost Riera's team out of the blocks here and sets up next week's Gridlock Derby with Eastern Suburbs nicely.
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) March 22, 2024
Liam Gillion doubles the Navy Blues lead with a great finish. #WeAreNavyBlue pic.twitter.com/Rn6CS7TGSY
Missing from the starting line-up were goalkeeper Conor Tracey, skipper Cam Howieson, the retired Jordan Vale, and Dylan Manickum, which allowed Joe Wallis, Angus Kilkolly, Joe Lee and Zhou to make their mark.
Zhou was in the thick of the action early combining well with Nathan Lobo and Gillion resulting in City's first goal after just 16 minutes.
Gillion got in the action, thrashing home a delightful right-footed shot into the corner after cutting inside as United stumbled at the back six minutes later.
Things went from bad to worse for the hosts when De Vries ghosted into the box to make it three late on and very nearly grabbed himself a second from a similar position as the game petered out.
The victory gave City a seventh win over United out of nine previous derby games and its fifth in succession in three competitions.
Auckland City FC's next match is on Friday 29 March 2024 at the Croatian Cultural Society when Eastern Suburbs AFC visit Te Atatu.
The Navy Blues then host newly promoted Tauranga City on Easter Monday at Kiwitea Street.
Ends
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) March 22, 2024
Tong Zhou with a ripper of a free kick brings the first goal of the Northern League season on the 15 minute mark.#WeAreNavyBlue pic.twitter.com/mmHwjozoWx
Match Result
Northern League Round 1
Friday 22 March 2024
Auckland United 0
Auckland City FC 3 (Tong ZHOU 16', Liam GILLION 22', Ryan DE VRIES 79')
HT: 2-0.
AC: 24. Joe WALLIS (GK), 2. Mario ILICH (c), 4. Christian GRAY, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 9. Angus KILKOLLY (17. Joe RIDLEY 63' [23. Alfie ROGERS 87']), 12 Regont MURATI, 13. Nathan LOBO, 16. Joe LEE (11. Ryan DE VRIES 63'), 19. Liam GILLION, 22. Tong ZHOU (3. Adam MITCHELL 73'), 25. Michael DEN HEIJER.
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD (GK).
COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING: Adria CASALS
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
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NORTHERN LEAGUE R8
Saturday 4 May 2024, Bay Park, 3pm
Player Profiles
Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 22 | 7 | 18 |
| 2 |  | WS | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 6 | 18 |
| 3 |  | BU | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 13 |
| 4 |  | ES | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 7 | 12 |
| 5 |  | BO | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| 6 |  | MN | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 10 |
| 7 |  | AU | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 9 |
| 8 |  | TC | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 19 | 6 |
| 9 |  | MU | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 25 | 3 |
| 10 |  | WR | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 2 |
| 11 |  | EB | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 2 |
| 12 |  | HW | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 18 | 2 |
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