City Clinch Title Despite Defeat
Words: ACFC Media
Saturday 24 August 2024
Picture: Phototek
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC secured their fourth consecutive Northern League title despite a 2-1 defeat to a determined Manurewa AFC side on Saturday afternoon in South Auckland.
The Navy Blues arrived at Manurewa War Memorial Park five points clear at the top of the table, knowing that a win would secure the title. Meanwhile, the hosts, sitting third from the bottom, were fighting to avoid relegation.
The defending champions, missing several key players due to injury and suspension, had to reshuffle their defence.
Manurewa took full advantage within the opening five minutes, with Kentaro Ozaki slotting home from a well-delivered free-kick by Hector Echague.
The home side looked more dangerous and created numerous opportunities, testing City keeper Conor Tracey, who made a string of brilliant saves to keep his side in the game.
As the first half came to a close, Derek Tieku was fouled inside the box, and in-form striker Angus Kilkolly stepped up to convert from the spot, levelling the scores in injury time.
However, just a minute later, a penalty was awarded at the other end, with Eber Ramirez restoring the hosts’ lead.
In the second half, the visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser, while Manurewa looked dangerous on the counter, bringing Tracey into action on several occasions.
In the final minute, the visitors thought they had levelled the scores through Gerard Garriga, but he was ruled offside.
When the final whistle blew, the home side celebrated their maiden win over City and kept their Northern League survival hopes alive.
The Navy Blues couldn’t hide their frustration, but their defeat ultimately didn’t matter.
The chasing pack behind them also dropped points, with second-placed Birkenhead United losing 3-2 to Tauranga, Eastern Suburbs held to a 0-0 draw by the Hamilton Wanderers, and Western Springs forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with West Coast Rangers.
This handed the title to Auckland City FC.
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
NORTHERN LEAGUE R17
Saturday, 24 August 2024
Manurewa AFC: 2 (Kentaro OZAKI 3' Eber RAMIREZ 45’+2 (PEN)
Auckland City FC: 1 (Angus KILKOLLY 45+1 ’(PEN)
HT: 2-1
AC: 1. Conor TRACEY (C), 5. Marco LORENZ, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, 12. Regont MURATI , (11. Ryan DE VRIES 67’), 13. Nathan LOBO, 16. Joe LEE, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 20. Derek TIEKU, 21. Adam BELL, 27. Stipe UKICH (15. Matthew Murayiro MATANYAYIRE 83’)
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD (GK), 14. Jesse GAGE, 26. Rayan TAYEB
COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
LOGISTICS: Keith COTTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
FIFA INTERCONTINENTAL CUP
22 September 2024, v Al Ain, UAE, kick-off: 7.30pm local
Player Profiles
Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 22 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 53 | 21 | 51 |
| 2 |  | WS | 22 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 52 | 30 | 46 |
| 3 |  | ES | 22 | 14 | 2 | 6 | 38 | 20 | 44 |
| 4 |  | BU | 22 | 13 | 4 | 5 | 54 | 31 | 43 |
| 5 |  | AU | 22 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 39 | 27 | 40 |
| 6 |  | BO | 22 | 9 | 1 | 12 | 39 | 42 | 28 |
| 7 |  | TC | 22 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 38 | 56 | 25 |
| 8 |  | WR | 22 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 28 | 45 | 23 |
| 9 |  | EB | 22 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 29 | 38 | 22 |
| 10 |  | MN | 22 | 5 | 4 | 13 | 41 | 56 | 19 |
| 11 |  | MU | 22 | 6 | 0 | 16 | 29 | 54 | 18 |
| 12 |  | HW | 22 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 28 | 48 | 14 |
Friends of Football
