Late Lewis goal sinks Team Wellington

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 28 January 2016

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - A late Clayton Lewis deflected goal broke Team Wellington hearts at QBE Stadium as Auckland City FC stay top of the ASB Premiership tonight after a 1-0 win.

The first half was a tight affair with Team Wellington pressing Auckland City FC high up the pitch.

Nevertheless, the best chance of the first spell fell to All Whites cap Ryan De Vries who beat his marker to an Angel Berlanga cross only for the ball to bounce off goalkeeper Scott Basalaj's left hand upright.

Team Wellington enjoyed a spate of useful free-kicks in and around the Navy Blues penalty box with Alex Feneridis and Chris Bale both unable to break the deadlock.

Auckland City FC remained dangerous on the break particularly through Berlanga whose pace and accuracy combined to give Team Wellington plenty to think about in a tight first half.

Auckland City FC created - and missed - several gilt-edged chances in a second half they dominated but it was Lewis' strike that proved the difference.

The diminuitive All Whites midfielder hit a low shot that hit goalkeeper Scott Basalaj's left hand upright then ricocheted into the net off his back.

The goal was a cruel blow to a Team Wellington side struggling with injuries but perhaps most cruel on Basalaj who had an outstanding match.

The victory was no more than Auckland City FC deserved on the balance of play after a tight first half that ended goalless.

Despite facing unrelenting pressure, Team Wellington did have a great chance to steal a draw when substitute Magno Vieira nodded an Ant Hobbs cross wide at the near post deep into additional time.

Auckland City FC coach Ramon Tribulietx was pleased with the effort his team put in.

"The first half was very difficult, Team Wellington were very physical and very fresh and pressed us very high. We didn't really understand how to bypass that pressure but in the second half we coped better and we dominated.

"We had two or three one on one chances that we didn't capitalise on but in the end we scored a goal. Team Wellington used their physicality at set-pieces to try to equalise. It was a very good game and we competed well," he said.

Tribulietx made special mention of his younger players who he believed took a step forward in a tough match.

"For the way we play we have four very young players playing the style we play, who are just beginning to understand what that means.

"It takes a while to understand it. You can't watch this style on television then go out and implement it, it takes a time.

"Its all about making decisions and you need to acknowledge and understand where the superiority and opportunities are in a game which is not easy.

"Its great to see those young players understanding how we want to play. Every time we play controlling a game gets better," Tribulietx said.

On Lewis' goal, Tribulietx was delighted but admitted there was a huge slice of luck that came with it.

"We deserved the goal, it was a great shot but we had some luck with the deflection. Maybe after missing the one-on-ones this was earned and its very welcome," he said.

The Navy Blues are back in ASB Premiership action on Sunday when they travel south to play in-form Hawke's Bay United at Bluewater Stadium. The match kicks off at 3pm NZST.

Ends

Match Result
ASB Premiership Round 4 catch-up
Thursday 28 January, 2016
Auckland City FC 1 (Clayton LEWIS 82')
Team Wellington 0
Halftime: 0-0.
#ACvTW

Next Match
ASB Premiership Round 11
Sunday 31 January, 2016
Bluewater Stadium, Napier
Hawke's Bay United v Auckland City FC
Kick-off: 3pm NZST
#HBvAC

Published Thursday 28 January, 2016