Bay knock over Navy Blues

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 5 February 2017

Picture: FIFA via Getty Images

NAPIER - Two goals by Sam Mason-Smith handed Hawke's Bay United a late 2-1 win over the Navy Blues as the Stirling Sports playoff chase heats up.

Auckland City FC have slipped to fifth in the pursuit of the minor premiership after Hawke's Bay United's come-from-behind victory at Bluewater Stadium.

The Navy Blues opened the scoring with a brilliant Clayton Lewis goal after just eight minutes but now face a battle to reignite their campaign.

The visitors dominated the first half almost completely with only a Saul Halpin shot to concern them before Enaut Zubikarai was called upon to save an Angus Kilkolly penalty kick on the stroke of halftime.

But the home side turned in a courageous second half performance to capture three vital points.

Sam Mason-Smith levelled the match when he slipped past Dae Wook Kim before thrashing an unstoppable shot past Zubikarai with less than 20 minutes left.

Yellow cards for Lewis, De Vries and Lea'alafa indicated a degree of frustration for a Navy Blues side that looked visibly tired after their exertions at the Nike Lunar New Year Cup.

As leg weariness set in, Hawke's Bay United took full advantage and saw one header flash narrowly over the crossbar as the Navy Blues foothold in the game grew more precarious.

Substitute Harry Edge squandered a gilt-edged chance to restore Auckland City FC's lead when he missed a great opportunity to score from a De Vries cutback with just five minutes to play.

That moment came back to haunt Auckland City FC when Mason-Smith notched the winner with a glorious chip over Zubikarai in the 88th minute but Navy Blues fans will be raging a clear foul on Mario Bilen was missed.

A defensive mix-up saw Bilen shield the ball from the Hawke's Bay attacker who appeared to clip the Navy Blues skipper in the lead-up.

The incident was missed by referee Matt Conger and his assistant which allowed Mason-Smith to run through unimpeded before he delivered his exquisite finish.

Auckland City FC now have a run of matches where they must simply come up with more goals if they hope to win matches and impose themselves on the minor premiership chase.

Darren White said fatigue was a factor in the poor second half performance by the Navy Blues but by no means a valid excuse.

"We looked tired in the second half but that's no excuse for the way we played.

"I don't know why we went 1-0 up then decided we had to timewaste and hang on and all the football we know we can play just went out the window.

"We played silly long balls and its no excuse," he said.

But White believes that despite the setback the Navy Blues will bounce back in an eyewatering run of games.

"I've no doubt we'll finish in the top four because we've got the quality to do that and the two games in hand.

"Squad rotation will come into play to keep the team fresh. We've got a tough run of games with midweek matches and a tough schedule.

"But if we play the way we know we can play I believe we'll be fine," he said.

The incident leading up to the second Hawke's Bay United goal was a sore one for White to absorb but he remains defiant.

"These are the sort of decisions that can go against you but there's not much you can do they're a part of the game," he said.

Auckland City FC are at home to Wellington Phoenix U-20 on Sunday 12 February at Kiwitea Street in their next match.

Elsewhere, Eastern Suburbs AFC downed defending champions Team Wellington 3-1, Waitakere United were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom placed Tasman United and Hamilton Wanderers also picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with Canterbury United.

Wellington Phoenix U-20 face Southern United on Waitangi Day tomorrow.

Ends

Match Result
Stirling Sports Premiership
Sunday 5 February, 2017
Hawke's Bay United 2 (Sam Mason-Smith 71', 88')
Auckland City FC 1 (Clayton Lewis 8')
Halftime: 0-1
Enaut Zubikarai penalty save from Angus Kilkolly 45'

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