Navy Blues Held By Cashmere Technical

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 14 October 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC were left to rue missed opportunities as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a well-organised Cashmere Technical FC in Round 3 of the National League on Sunday afternoon at Kiwitea Street.

Cashmere's captain, Yuya Taguchi, marked his 100th appearance for the visitors with a clinical finish in the first half, before Myer Bevan equalised from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute for the Navy Blues. Gerard Garriga also celebrated a personal milestone, coming off the bench for his 100th game for Auckland City.

Despite dominating both territory and possession from the outset, Auckland found themselves trailing against the run of play. A swift counterattack saw Taguchi maintain his composure and slot a perfectly placed low drive past Nathan Barrow in the 22nd minute—Cashmere's first attempt on goal.

Albert Riera's men continued to press, creating a number of chances, with Jerson Lagos coming agonisingly close to equalising just before halftime when his volley crashed against the crossbar.

After the break, the Navy Blues ramped up the pressure but found Cashmere's defence resolute. The breakthrough finally came after Tong Zhou was fouled inside the penalty area. Bevan stepped up to coolly convert from the spot, making it 1-1.

In the dying minutes, Stipe Ukich almost snatched all three points with a brilliant run down the right and a shot that went narrowly wide of the target. Cashmere held on bravely to earn a hard-fought point.

Elsewhere, Wellington Olympic defeated Eastern Suburbs 4-1, Birkenhead overcame Western Springs 3-1, Coastal Spirit thrashed Western Suburbs 5-0, and Napier City Rovers played out a 1-1 draw with the Phoenix Reserves.

After three rounds, Auckland City remain top with 7 points, two points clear of Napier City, with six teams on four points in equal third position. The Navy Blues will travel to Wellington next Sunday to face Western Suburbs.

MATCH DETAILS
National League R3
Kiwitea St
Auckland City FC: 1 (Mayer BEVAN 72’ P )
Cashmere Technical FC: 1 (Yuya TAGUCHI 22')

HT: 0-1

AC: 24. Nathan GARROW GK 2. Mario ILICH (CP), 3. Adam MITCHELL, (8.Gerard GARRIGA, 81’)5. Marco LORENZ, 7. Myer BEVAN, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, (9. Angus KILKOLLY 81’), 14. Kentaro OZAKI, (22. Tong ZHOU, 63’), 16. Joe LEE, (20 Derek TIEKU 55’), 17. Jerson LAGOS, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER,, 27. Stipe UKICH,

SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD. GK

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