McCowatt nabs winner

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 17 February 2018

NELSON, New Zealand - Auckland City FC's undefeated run extended to six matches after the Navy Blues beat Tasman United 1-0 in Nelson today.

The Navy Blues edged closer to a fifth consecutive minor premiership title courtesy of a Callum McCowatt goal five minutes before halftime.

The win was notable for the Ramon Tribulietx-coached side as they kept a record-breaking sixth consecutive cleansheet in a row, a run that started on January 21 when the Navy Blues defeated Canterbury United 2-0 in Christchurch.

Further wins over Eastern Suburbs AFC (2-0), Hamilton Wanderers (1-0) and Hawke's Bay United (3-0) were interrupted by a goalless draw with Team Wellington.

Today's win moved Auckland City FC's defensive record beyond that set by Waitakere United in 2007-08 when they strung together five cleansheets in a row on the way to their first ever ISPS Handa Premiership title win.

Goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai has now gone an astonishing 560 minutes without conceding a goal, a record that includes the last 20 minutes of Auckland City FC's 1-1 draw with Southern United.

The result slams the door shut on the playoffs for Tasman United who stay six point behind fourth placed Canterbury United who now have two games in hand on their South Island rivals.

The Navy Blues take a break from domestic duties when they host Group C of the OFC Champions League at Trusts Arena in West Auckland.

The Navy Blues play AS Venus (Tahiti), Madang (Papua New Guinea) and Lautoka (Fiji) with the top two teams advancing to a one-off quarter-final.

Ends

Match Result
ISPS Handa Premiership
Saturday 17 February 2018
Tasman United 0
Auckland City FC 1 (Callum McCowatt 40')
HT: 0-1

AC: Zubikarai (GK), Rogers, Morgan (Peverley 83'), Berlanga (c), Hudson-Wihongi, Howieson, Riera, Tavano, Tade, McCowatt, Lea'alafa (R Drake 72').

SUBS: Tracey (GK), Wilkins, Bilen.

COACH: Ramon Tribulietx