AUCKLAND, NZ- Auckland City FC made it three wins on the bounce and brought East Coast Bays’ eight‑match unbeaten streak to a halt with a performance far more dominant than the narrow scoreline suggested at Kiwitea Street.
9 May 2026
City created a host of chances across both halves, stretching Bays repeatedly and forcing goalkeeper Louie Caunter into a string of outstanding saves.
The woodwork also came to the visitors’ rescue on multiple occasions as the Navy Blues pushed relentlessly for the breakthrough.
Head coach Rudy Mozr was full of praise for his side’s control and intensity.
“For 75–80 minutes we were fantastic today,” he said. “The last 10 minutes they had a bit of pressure because of how important the game was, but overall it was a very, very good performance.”
City dominance from the outset
The Navy Blues were sharp from the first whistle.
- Regont Murati was electric down the right, using his pace to beat defenders and sending in a series of dangerous deliveries.
- Michal Doudera was lively and direct, constantly asking questions of the Bays back line.
- At theback, Adam Mitchell and Nathan Rostron were solid and assured, with Mario Ilich marshalling the midfield superbly in front of them.
- Dylan Manickum, thriving in the No.10 role, knitted attacks together with composure and vision.
Despite the dominance, Caunter’s heroics and the frame of the goal kept the match level. Mozr acknowledged the pattern:
“There were games earlier where we were dominant but struggled in the last 15–20 metres. Today the keeper was man of the match for me.”
Kilkolly delivers the decisive moment
The breakthrough finally arrived midway through the second half. Angus Kilkolly, who had already forced several brilliant saves, produced a composed, clinical finish to give City the lead their performance deserved.
Mozr was delighted for his striker: “Gus had a good winner. On a different day he could’ve had a hat‑trick. I’m extremely pleased — he’s a quality striker and it’s important he scored.”
Respect for the opposition
Mozr also credited East Coast Bays for their energy and structure.
“They’re a good team, they’ve been building for a few years, and they have a clear style. It doesn’t surprise me where they are on the table,” he said. “It was an entertaining game between two good sides.”
Momentum building
With three straight wins and performances trending upward, Mozr kept the focus grounded.
“How many in a row is almost irrelevant. It’s a long season. We’re getting healthy players back and the boys are getting used to each other.”
City now turn their attention to Auckland FC Reserves on Friday night, 7pm at Fred Taylor Park, aiming to extend their run.
U23s continue their rise
Earlier in the day, the U23s claimed a strong 2–0 win over East Coast Bays, with goals from Manraj Singh and Carlos Stulich securing back‑to‑back victories for the Young Navy Blues.
Ends
Match Result
Northern League R9
Saturday, 9 May
Kiwitea St
Auckland City: 1 (Angus KILKOLLY 72’)
East Coast Bays: 0
HT: 0-0
AC: 1. Nathan GARROW (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL, 5. Nathan ROSTRON 7. Michal DOUDERA 8. Gerard GARRIGA (21. Adam BELL 84′) 9. Angus KILKOLLY (17. Bono KACUROV 90+5′)10. Dylan MANICKUM 12. Regont MURATI 15. Jeremy FOO (27. Tom GOLDING 69′) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Ari PRASAD (GK), 13. Shaan ANAND
HEAD COACH: Rudy MOZR
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Alan SHAKER
GOALKEEPER COACH: Adam BANNISTER
TRAINER: Karlo PAVIC
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
