Nix, Navy Blues produce draw

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 30 September 2017

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Auckland City FC and the Wellington Phoenix have drawn 2-2 in the Navy Blues latest pre-season friendly.

The Nix took an early lead when Dario Vidosic headed home from a corner before Emiliano Tade levelled the game three minutes into the second half.

Substitute Ryan De Vries gave Auckland City FC the lead with 13 minutes left to set up the possibility of a morale boosting win only for the Nix to grab an equaliser with a minute left through Liam Wood's header.

There was still a chance for Albert Riera to snatch a last gasp win deep into additional time but the former Nix midfielder could only steer his volley wide of the near post following a Tade corner.

"Tough game for us its early days so we had heavy legs which is understandable when you go up against a professional team.

"They've been training for a very long time and we started three weeks ago but we delivered a competitive game and we can build on that.

"We still have players coming back into training but we're looking good. Today will help the new players to understand how we play and fine tune things for when we start the ISPS Handa Premiership in two weeks time.

"We had control of the game for periods but when you're in pre-season sometimes you drop very deep and try to make something happen in transition and thats where our legs cost us at times.

"This was a typical pre-season game for both sides but again I'm very happy we competed under very difficult circumstances. We'll keep working hard towards the start of the campaign," Tribulietx said.

The Navy Blues have just 24 hours before their next pre-season friendly when they take on Canterbury United at 3 Normanby Road in Auckland city at 12.30pm tomorrow.

Ends

Match Result
Saturday 30 September 2017
Pre-season friendly
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Vidosic 15', Wood 89')
Auckland City FC 2 (Tade 48', De Vries 77')
HT: 1-0