WELLINGTON, New Zealand — In a clash that could shape the course of the season, Auckland City FC edged past league leaders Wellington Olympic with a gritty 1–0 victory, thanks to a late strike from super-sub Angus Kilkolly.
18 October 2025
The result not only reignites the Navy Blues’ title defence but also secures their grip on the Mediterranean Cup.
With the game hanging in the balance and conditions proving difficult, Kilkolly stepped up in the 82nd minute to deliver the decisive blow. The striker latched onto a pinpoint cross from 19-year-old Riley Dalziell and coolly slotted home from close range.
Dalziell, making just his second appearance since joining from Eastern Suburbs, was electric throughout. His pace and precision on the right flank earned him the GiGi Player of the Match award, and his assist proved the difference in a tightly contested affair.
Lining up in a 3-4-3 formation, Auckland City started brightly, winning early corners and a promising free kick after a foul on Manickum. However, strong, swirling winds made set pieces difficult to execute. Despite dominating possession, the Navy Blues struggled to carve out clear chances until the late breakthrough.
Olympic’s Jack-Henry Sinclair came close in the first half, dragging a shot just wide, while City’s Scott Basalaj was called into action to deny a long-range effort. Christian Gray’s header from a David Yoo free kick was comfortably gathered by the Olympic keeper.
The second half saw Auckland City press harder, with Yoo and Dalziell combining for a dangerous counterattack that nearly found Manickum in the box. Yoo also tested the keeper from distance, but the breakthrough remained elusive until Kilkolly’s moment of magic.
Wellington Olympic threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser, but Auckland City’s defence held firm, showing composure and resilience to close out the match and claim three crucial points.
The Navy Blues return home for Round 5, where they’ll host Auckland FC Reserves at Kiwitea Street on Sunday, October 26.
With momentum building, fans will be eager to see if Kilkolly and Dalziell can deliver again.
Ends
Match Result
National League R4
Saturday, 18 October
Wakefield Park, Wellington
Wellington Olympic: 0
Auckland City FC: 1 (Angus KILKOLLY 82′)
HT: 0-0
AC: 24. Nathan GARROW GK), 2. Mario ILICH (CP), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 6. Niko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN, (9. Angus KILKOLLY 76’), 10. Dylan MANICKUM (20. Matt ELLIS 76’) 12.Regont MURATI, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, (16. Joe LEE 89’) 30. Riley DALZIELL (15.Jeremy FOO 89’,
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Seb CIGANDA
HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
