Two late goals stun 10-man City

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 19 November 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC have conceded two late goals to suffer a 3-2 defeat to Christchurch United FC in the final round of the regular National League Championship season on Sunday afternoon at Kiwitea Street.

With less than 15 minutes on the clock the Navy Blues were leading 2-1 before a red card to defender Christian Gray has proved to be a major turning point allowing the visitors to fully exploit their numerical advantage.

Dylan Manickum opened the scoring for City with his fourth goal in as many games and Albert Riera’s men looked to be in full control creating a number of good scoring opportunities to put the match beyond the reach of Christchurch United in the first half.

The lack of finishing however came back to haunt the home side as Edward Wilkinson levelled the scores in the 51st minute at the end of a quick counterattacking move.

Angus Kilkolly restored his side’s lead with a brilliant strike as the Navy Blues looked to close out the game and finish on top of the National League table ahead of next Sunday’s Grand Final against Wellington Olympic at Mount Smart Stadium.

However, following a red card to Gray in the 76th minute the visitors have sensed an opportunity and with just one minute remaining in regulation time Joel Patterson rose to score with a looping header.

And there was still time for a late twist as Eoghan Stokes grabbed all three points for the Southern League Champions with a fantastic drive deep into injury time.

Following seven consecutive wins the defeat to Christchurch was Auckland City’s second in a row after last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Wellington Olympic.

Elsewhere, Olympic came from two goals down at half-time to defeat Wellington Phoenix Reserves 4-2 in the New Zealand capital and leapfrog Auckland City into top spot on the ladder at the end of the round-robin stage of the National League Championship.

The Navy Blues and Olympic will face each other in a rematch of last year's Grand Final to decide the 2023 New Zealand National League Champions on 26 November.

Ends

Match Result
Saturday 19 November 2023
National League Championship Round 9
Auckland City FC: 2 ( Dylan MANICKUM 15, Angus KILKOLLY 73’)
Christchurch United: 3 (Edward WILKINSON 51' Joel PETERSON 89' Eoghan STOKES 90'+5'

HT: 1-0

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH, 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 7. Cam HOWIESON, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, (12. Regont MURATI 79’), 14. Jordan VALE, 16. Joe LEE, (Emiliano TADE 69’), 21. Takuya IWATA, (13. Nathan LOBO 59’), 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, (26. Rayan TAYEB, 53’)

SUBS NOT USED: 24. Joe WALLIS (GK),

COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE