Navy Blues claim vital win
Words: ACFC Media
Thursday 4 July 2024
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC overcame a spirited Manurewa side to secure a keenly contested 3-2 victory under lights at the Croatian Club on Wednesday night.
The win was crucial in the context of the Northern League title race with the Navy Blues closing the gap to a single point behind current leaders Birkenhead.
Albert Riera’s charges have started with intent creating a number of early chances before defender Alfie Rogers gave his side the lead from close range when Mario Ilich’s header found him following a Joe Lee free-kick in the 13th minute.
Derek Tieku came close to doubling City’s advantage but his thunderbolt drive from inside the Rewa box struck the crossbar.
The Navy Blues have managed to open up a deserved two-goal lead courtesy of Gerard Garriga at the stroke of half time.
The visitors pulled a goal back just minutes after the break with former Auckland City U23 player William Eng on target.
The South Aucklanders have pushed forward putting the Navy Blues’ defence under plenty of pressure following Eng’s goal while at the other end Vadym Patkevych produced a brilliant save to deny Dylan Manickum.
However, the Rewa gloveman couldn’t do anything about Garriga’s cool finish in the 66th minute.
Ronil Vikash Lal’s men refused to go away and they once again reduced the deficit to one goal thanks to Eber Ramirez.
In a tense finish there were late chances at both ends but the Navy Blues held their nerve to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory and three crucial points.
City will now turn their attention to Saturday’s Chatham Cup Round 4 clash against Cambridge FC on the road.
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R11
Wednesday 3 July 2024
Auckland City FC: 3 (Alfie ROGERS 13', Gerard GARRIGA 45’+1', 66’)
Manurewa AFC: 2 (William ENG 48' Eber RAMIREZ 71’)
HT: 2-0
AC: 1.Conor TRACEY (GK), 2. Mario ILICH (C), 3. Adam MITCHELL, (4. Christian GRAY 46’), 6. Kailan GOULD, (12. Regont MURATI 46’), 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, (9. Angus KILKOLLY 74’), 13. Nathan LOBO, 20. Derek TIEKU, (11. Ryan DE VRIES 21), Adam BELL, 23. Alfie ROGERS
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD (GK),
COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
LOGISTICS: Keith COTTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
NORTHERN LEAGUE R7
Saturday 26 April 2025, v Fencibles Utd, Riverhills, kick-off: 7.00pm NZST
Player Profiles
Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AU | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 7 | 10 |
| 2 |  | AC | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 9 |
| 3 |  | BU | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 8 | 8 |
| 4 |  | ES | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 7 |
| 5 |  | WS | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| 6 |  | BO | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| 7 |  | TC | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| 8 |  | FE | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 4 |
| 10 |  | AF | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 2 |
| 11 |  | EC | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 2 |
| 11 |  | WR | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 4 |
| 12 |  | MN | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 0 |
Friends of Football
