Tade goal seals Gridlock Derby delight

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 18 December 2016

Picture: FIFA via Getty Images

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Controversy was the main talking point as a retaken Emiliano Tade penalty kick hands Auckland City FC a 1-0 Gridlock Derby win over Eastern Suburbs AFC today.

The first ever meeting between these two teams in the top flight of New Zealand football was a protracted affair with sweltering conditions making every breath a challenge.

Armin Pasagic had the first real chance of the game after 15 minutes when he forced Enaut Zubikarai into a top save to start a pattern that become familiar throughout the match.

Silvio Rodic equalled Zubikarai's feat when he denied first Clayton Lewis then Alfie Rogers. Lewis had another opportunity just before the break but skewed his effort.

Zubikarai then drew gasps when his double save from Sean Lovemore just after the restart kept the Navy Blues goal intact.

But the big talking point of this match came when Finn Cochran was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area midway through the second half.

Emiliano Tade, normally so dependable from the penalty mark, saw Rodic pull off a brilliant save from his first take only for referee Matt Conger to order the kick be retaken.

Tade, given a reprieve, eagerly accepted the second bite at the penalty kick and swept the ball home much to the Lilywhites general dismay.

The home side's response was expedient and Zubikarai had to be at his best to deny All Whites midfielder Moses Dyer.

Eastern Suburbs AFC threw everything at the Navy Blues in search of an equaliser but a combination of top work from Zubikarai and some committed defending ensured the points travelled west to Kiwitea Street.

AUDIO - Ramon Tribulietx

Coach Ramon Tribulietx was delighted to see the Navy Blues return to winning ways after the bitter disappointment of defeat to Kashima Antlers on December 8.

"We played a very good game considering the conditions. This is a difficult pitch to play our game on very bumpy.

"Coming back from the Club World Cup in Japan meant we were probably not physically or mentally at our best but the boys stuck to the task very well.

"We played a fantastic game. We dominated the game from start to finish but right at the end they threw everything at us and made it difficult.

"Their set-pieces can cause problems but the way we played with the ball on a difficult pitch made the difference," he said.

Auckland City FC's next Stirling Sports Premiership match is on January 8 away to defending champions Team Wellington.

The match kicks off at David Farrington Park at 2pm. 

Ends

Match Result
Stirling Sports Premiership
Sunday 18 December, 2016
Eastern Suburbs AFC 0
Auckland City FC 1 (Emiliano Tade 71'-pen)
Halftime: 0-0

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