AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC endured another frustrating afternoon in the Northern League, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Eastern Suburbs at Madills Farm.
10 May 2025
The loss marks back-to-back defeats for the Navy Blues, who struggled to convert their chances in windy conditions.
The decisive moment came in the 19th minute, when Alexander Irwin rose above the defense to head home from an Eastern Suburbs corner. Despite Auckland City's efforts to respond, they were unable to find the back of the net.
City striker Myer Bevan came close early on, with a powerful attempt from outside the box narrowly flying over the crossbar. At the other end, Isaac Bates forced a brilliant diving save from City keeper Conor Tracey, keeping the visitors in the contest. Dylan Manickum nearly found an equaliser, shaving the post following a well-placed delivery from Mario Ilich.
The second half saw Auckland City continue to push forward, but the woodwork denied Hector Echague, while Manickum headed just wide after some excellent work on the right by Jordan Vale.
Post-match, captain Mario Ilich reflected on the team's struggles, acknowledging the difficulty of playing in the conditions. "It's disappointing to concede from a set-piece like that," he said. "We had a few chances, didn't take them, and on a different day, it could have been a different result. We can't find a win at the moment, so it's back to the drawing board and back to training this week."
Despite the loss, Ilich remains optimistic. "The boys are competing really hard, we're training a lot, and we're close. We're in these games, it's not like we're getting outworked or out-competed. It'll come—we've just got to be patient and keep working hard."
Auckland City will look to bounce back next weekend against East Coast Bays AFC at Bay City Park.
Ends
Match Result
Northern League R9
Saturday, 10 May, Madills Farm
Eastern Suburbs AFC: 1 (Alexander IRWIN 19’)
Auckland City FC: 0
HT: 1-0
AC: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 2. Mario ILICH (C) (20. Matt ELLIS 76’), 3. Adam MITCHELL (C), 4. Christian GRAY, 7. Myer BEVAN, 9. Angus KILKOLLY (12. Regont MURATI 66’), 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 21. Adam BELL (22. Tong ZHOU 76’), 23. Alfie ROGERS, 27. Haris ZEB, 30. Jackson MANUEL (14. Jordan VALE 66’)
SUBS NOT USED: 24. Nathan GARROW (GK)
HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
