AUCKLAND, New Zealand —Auckland City FC live to fight another day in their quest to defend the National League title, courtesy of a crucial 2–0 victory over Wellington Phoenix Reserves at Kiwitea Street on Saturday afternoon.
22 November 2025
With two rounds remaining, the Navy Blues must win their remaining fixtures and hope for favours elsewhere, but this performance suggested belief and resilience remain intact.
Boxall’s first goal sets the tone
The Navy Blues dominated the opening half, creating a flurry of chances. David Yoo’s driving runs forced early saves, while Orlando Thorpe struck the post with a curling effort from distance. Keeper Nathan Garrow, largely a spectator, was sharp when called upon, tipping over a dangerous free‑kick from Lachlan Candy.
The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Nikko Boxall rose brilliantly to meet Matt Ellis’s corner, powering a header into the top corner. It was not only a commanding finish but also Boxall’s first goal for the club, a milestone greeted with delight by the Kiwitea faithfuls.
Captain’s strike seals the points
Despite their dominance, the Navy Blues had to wait until the hour mark to double their advantage. Phoenix keeper Kelly‑Heald produced several fine saves to keep his side in the contest, including a superb stop to deny Ryan De Vries. But he could do nothing when Mario Ilich who smashed home a well‑taken strike from the edge of the area.
From there, City pressed to improve their goal difference, but Kelly‑Heald continued to frustrate them. Still, the clean sheet and three points were secured, a convincing win that keeps the champions in the hunt.
Milestones and reflections
The afternoon carried added significance for Christian Gray, who marked his 100th appearance for the club with another assured display at the heart of defence.
Gray reflected afterwards:
“It’s a good all‑round performance today. At this stage, every game is a final, so a big result. As defenders, a clean sheet is always the goal, if we keep that, we’ve got a good chance of winning. We’ve got two more finals to go, and it’s not over till it’s over.”
Captain Ilich, scorer of the second goal, praised his side’s dominance despite missed chances:
“It was tough conditions against a young, energetic side, but I’m really proud of the boys. We dominated most of the game and created clear‑cut chances. On a different day, more would have gone in, that’s been the story of our season. But it’s a convincing 2–0 win and a clean sheet. One down, two to go.”
The bigger picture
The result keeps Auckland City’s title defence alive, though the equation is simple: win their last two matches and hope rivals slip. With Boxall’s first goal, Gray’s centurion milestone, and Ilich’s captain’s strike, Saturday at Kiwitea felt like a statement of intent. The Navy Blues are not done yet.
Ends
Match Result
National League R9
Saturday, 22 November
Kiwitea, Sandringham
Auckland City FC: 2 (Nikko BOXALL 11, Mario ILICH 60′)
Wellington Phoenix Reserves: 0
HT: 1-0
AC: 24. Nathan GARROW GK), 2. Mario ILICH, (CP), 4. Christian GRAY, 5. Nikko BOXALL, (12. Regent MURATI 80′), 7. Myer BEVAN, 8.Gerard GARRIGA, (6. Orlando THORPE 13′), 11. Ryan DE VRIES, 20. Matt ELLIS (27. Haris ZEB 70′), 23. Riley DALZIELL, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO (15.Jeremy FOO 80′)
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD
HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
