McCowatt delight at lifting trophy

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 2 April 2018

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC has set the benchmark for others to follow according to ISPS Handa Premiership grand final match winner, Callum McCowatt.

The 18-year-old bagged a late winner against Team Wellington to send the Navy Blues support into delerium capping off a brilliant breakthrough season at domestic level for the Ole Academy graduate.

"It feels good to win a close match like that. The game was unbelievable and we came out on top. It's a great feeling to end our grand final drought.

"The match was cagey and it was tight in the first half with not too many chances but as people got tired in the second half the game opened up and there was a lot more space to work in," he told www.aucklandcityfc.com

McCowatt, who notched his 11th goal of the season when his drive left Scott Basalaj helpless, also picked up the Steve Sumner Trophy, the newly introduced award for ISPS Handa Premiership grand final Most Valuable Player.

"I'm delighted to have won the Steve Sumner Trophy - but I'm just happy we won the game. I'm not much of one for individual accolades but I'm glad this trophy has been integrated into the ISPS Handa Premiership grand final for a great like Steve Sumner," he said.

When Auckland City needed a winner, Callum McCowatt found a way https://t.co/6akMvHr7Ws pic.twitter.com/cDiEvx8MB1

— Stuff.co.nz Sport (@NZStuffSport) April 1, 2018

McCowatt's goal came about following a powerful break by team-mate and recently recalled All Whites midfielder Cam Howieson and the one-time Western Suburbs AFC forward knew instinctively what could happen next.

"Cam is great at driving forward with the ball and once I got into the box I knew that if I made a nicely timed run he would slip the ball to me perfectly. I took one touch and luckily it went into the bottom corner. I've been practising those so it was great to see it go in.

"I've enjoyed every moment of my season with Auckland City FC. Its been a lot of fun with my team-mates and under the guidance of Ramon as well. There's no doubt Auckland City FC is the benchmark for New Zealand club football and long may it continue," he said.

CONGRATULATIONS | @AucklandCity_FC crowned champions of the ISPS HANDA Premiership #ISPSHandaPrem pic.twitter.com/EE4mX1huYe

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) April 1, 2018

With McCowatt's form and last gasp winner likely to attract attention from observers far and wide, the youngster says he remains determined to focus on continuing to improve and help Auckland City FC continue their dominance.

"I need to stay humble, keep my feet on the ground and keep working. I'm only at the start of my career and hopefully in time I can step up to bigger things. But right now we'll enjoy winning the ISPS Handa Premiership then look ahead to our OFC Champions League quarter-final with Solomon Warriors next week."

Ends