Navy Blues Secure Hard-Fought Win

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 20 October 2024

Picture: Phototek

PORIRUA, New Zealand – Auckland City FC emerged triumphant with a 2-1 victory over a resilient Western Suburbs side, despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men early in the second half in their Round 4 National League encounter on Sunday afternoon  .

Auckland City seized an early advantage when defender Adam Mitchell displayed impressive agility finding the target using his backfill in the 4th minute.

The Navy Blues nearly doubled their lead through Myer Bevan, whose promising run ended with a shot straight at Western Suburbs' goalkeeper, Quillan Roberts.

The Canadian shot-stopper was pivotal, pulling off multiple key saves, including two from the lively Stipe Ukich, to keep his side in contention.

However, against the run of play, Western Suburbs found themselves level when Lucas Meek coolly converted a penalty in the 20th minute, sending Auckland City's keeper, Conor Tracey, the wrong way.

Malcolm Young's narrowly missed effort at the end of another swift counter-attack left the teams deadlocked at halftime.

The match's defining moment came just five minutes into the second half when Roberts was sent off for hauling down Bevan in a clear scoring opportunity.

Bevan dusted himself off to slot home the ensuing penalty, restoring Auckland City's lead.

Despite being a man down, Western Suburbs demonstrated commendable grit and threatened on the counter, but neither side managed to alter the scoreline further.

Elsewhere, Cashmere Technical and Wellington Olympic shared the points following their 2-all draw, Birkenhead defeated Napier City Rovers 4-2, Coastal Spirit overcame Phoenix Reserves 3-0 in Wellington while Western Springs bagged all three points with a 1-0 win over Eastern Suburbs.

Auckland City FC's remain three points clear of Coastal Spirit and Birkenhead United at the top of the competition table at the end of Round 4.

Albert Riera’s men will play Eastern Suburbs at Madills Farm next weekend.

MATCH DETAILS
National League R4
Endeavour Park, Porirua
Western Suburbs FC: 1 (Lucas MEEK 20’ P)
Auckland City FC :2 (Adam MITCHELL 4', Myer BEVAN 52’ P )

HT: 1-1

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY, 2. Mario ILICH (CP), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 5. Marco LORENZ, 7. Myer BEVAN,, 8.Gerard GARRIGA,10. Dylan MANICKUM, (14. Kentaro OZAKI 75’), 13. Nathan LOBO, 21. Adam BELL, (9. Angus KILKOLLY 69’), 25.Michael DEN HEIJER, 27. Stipe UKICH, (12. Regont MURATI 87’)

SUBS NOT USED: 24. Nathan GARROW GK, 16. Joe LEE

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