Howieson bids farewell in Dom Road Derby

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 9 June 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC captain Cam Howieson said goodbye to the club in front of his family, friends and fans on an emotional day at Kiwitea following a scoreless draw against Auckland United FC in round 12 of the Northern League.

Howieson, who played 192 games and scored 42 goals for the City, will travel to Vanuatu next week to represent New Zealand at the 2024 OFC Nations Cup before joining new A-League expansion club Auckland FC from July.

The Navy Blues, keen to send off their skipper with a derby win, looked dangerous during the early exchanges with Liam Gillion coming close to scoring on two occasions while at the other end young keeper Joe Wallis produced a superb diving save.

Albert Riera’s men had the lion share of both territorial and ball possession but were unable to create clear cut chances for the remainder of the first half.

After the break the home side looked to turn up the intensity with Stipe Ukich and Ryan De Vries testing United keeper Blake Callinan.

Gillion was unlucky to be denied by the post following a delightful through ball from Howieson.

New signing Kailan Gould made his debut for the club off the bench and looked lively, but the visitors kept their nerve and held onto a share of the points despite a late push by City.

Riera admitted his side could not complain about the result.

“I don’t think we’ve necessarily played our best game in the first half, with the ball or without it, we should have done better.

“In the second half we improved and overall I think it was a fair result,” said the Navy Blues coach.

Meanwhile Howieson said it was an emotional day for both himself and his family.

“It’s obviously a massive day for myself and my family, it was great to see the turn out, the numbers and some signs, I really appreciate it.

“I appreciate the time I’ve had here, the club has been awesome with me since day one and I can’t thank them enough.

“It would have been nice to top it off with a win but that’s the way football goes, it’s tough game but nice reception to finish,” he said.

Ends

Northern League R12
Saturday 8 June 2024
Auckland City FC: 0
Auckland United FC: 0

HT: 0-0

AC: 24. Joe WALLIS (GK), 3. Adam MITCHELL, (Mario Ilich 66’), 4. Christian GRAY , 7. Cam HOWIESON, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 16. Joe LEE, (6. Kailan GOULD 59’) 19. Liam GILLION, 22. Tong ZHOU (Ryan DE VRIES 59’), 23. Alfie ROGERS, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 27. Stipe UKICH

SUBS NOT USED: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 12. Regont MURATI

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