Late goal rush sees City home

Words: Zac Elkhishin

Saturday 13 April 2024

WHENUAPAI, New Zealand - Navy Blues overcome West Coast Rangers 3-0 after a strong second-half performance yields late goal rush.

Auckland City FC head coach Albert Riera made one change to the team that started last weeks 5-2 win away at Hamilton Wanderers with Angus Kilkolly replacing Ryan De Vries in the starting line-up to make his 99th appearance for the club.

The Navy Blues controlled possession early while West Coast Rangers sat back utilising a low block.

The first chance of the game came after 9 minutes when an Auckland City FC corner found the head of captain Mario Ilich who headed the ball goalwards only to be denied by the post.

City continued to create chances and put pressure on the Rangers defence, but the home side did well to stay organised under intense scrutiny.

VIDEO - Albert Riera

Head coach Albert Riera and in-form forward Liam Gillion speak after City's fifth win from as many matches in the Northern League #WeAreNavyBlue pic.twitter.com/KzHmVLYg27
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) April 12, 2024

Rangers goalkeeper Marcus Nevin was forced into making several good saves and frustrated Auckland City FC’s attempts to break the deadlock.

The Navy Blues struggled to break down the Rangers defence who piled players behind the ball but City persevered as the hosts turned over possession regularly.

Towards the end of the first half Rangers created their only real chance as City took a stranglehold on proceedings.

VIDEO - Liam Gillion goal

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Liam Gillion finally breaks the deadlock #WeAreNavyBlue pic.twitter.com/Epa2sirgqH
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) April 12, 2024

The tonality of the second half was much different with Rangers creating more on the counter attack that left gapsin behind their hard working defensive line for City to exploit.

City's pressure finally told when the Navy Blues went ahead courtesy of a cleared corner that ended up at the feet of Liam Gillion on the edge of the penalty box who did brilliantly to evade his marker then found the bottom right corner with a sensational finish giving City a 1-0 lead after 66 minutes.

West Coast Rangers began to push forward and were presented with a good opportunity when striker Kofi Dwamena got into a footrace with City keeper Joe Wallis, but Wallis did well to get to the ball first.

VIDEO - Regont Murati goal

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Regont Murati doubles the lead soon after coming off the bench. #WeAreNavyBlue pic.twitter.com/BrZWpw5a6o
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) April 12, 2024

Youngster Stipe Ukich found himself in a similar situation in a one on one with Rangers keeper Nevin, taking the ball around him and getting fouled in the process.

The contact was seemed to be made inside the box but referee Stephen Merriman instead awarded a free kick just outside the box that ended up being blocked as Nevin was cautioned.

The Navy Blues changed gear and were moving the ball around brilliantly as the hosts struggled to maintain a foothold in the game and it wasn't long before Riera's team doubled their lead.

The decisive moment came when City fullback Nathan Lobo exploded down the left wing and placed a low cross into the pathway of substitute Regont Murati who finished neatly at the back post with five minutes to go.

Another beautifully placed low cross by Lobo followed 6 minutes later, deflecting off a sliding Rangers defender to the feet of another substitute Dylan Manickum who calmly slotted the ball into the back off the net wrapping up a convincing 3-0 win and three more valuable to stay top of the table.

It was an exercise in patience for City who stayed committed to an efficient game plan that yielded a deserved win over a West Coast Rangers side that also showed grit, determination and were well organised by coach Chad Coombes.

The Navy Blues are back at their Sandringham home at Kiwitea Street where they will face Melville United in the next round of Northern League action on Saturday 20 April 2024, kick-off at 3.00pm.

That is the start of a busy week in which City also face Bay Olympic on Wednesday 24 April at Croatian Cultural Society under lights before a mouthwatering clash with Western Springs at Kiwitea Street on Saturday 27 April.

Ends

Match Result
Northern League R5
Friday 12 April 2024
West Coast Rangers 0
Auckland City FC 3 (Liam GILLION 66', Regont MURATI 85', Dylan MANICKUM 90+1')
HT: 0-0.

AC: 24. Joe WALLIS (GK), 2. Mario ILICH (c), 4. Christian GRAY, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 9. Angus KILKOLLY (10. Dylan MANICKUM 59'), 13. Nathan LOBO, 16. Joe LEE, 19. Liam GILLION, 22. Tong ZHOU (21. Adam BELL 89'), 25. Michael DEN HEIJER (3. Adam MITCHELL 89'), 27. Stipe UKICH (12. Regont MURATI 85').

SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD (GK).

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

This Match Report compiled by Zac Elkhishin of AUT