Late Goals Sink City

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 4 November 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – National League leaders Auckland City FC suffered a setback as two late goals allowed Western Springs to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory on Sunday afternoon at Kiwitea Street.

The match saw Nathan Lobo give the home side the lead with a second-half free kick, only for Reid Drake to equalise in the 88th minute. Patrick Tobin then sealed the points for Western Springs deep into injury time.

Desperate for a win to keep their National League hopes alive, Western Springs started brightly. Matt Ellis struck the crossbar early on, and Drake forced a brilliant save from City keeper Conor Tracey during the lively opening exchanges. The visitors looked dangerous on the break, with Drake and Ellis combining effectively to keep City’s defence and Tracey busy.

City had their chances too, with Jerson Lagos heading over the bar and Dylan Manickum narrowly missing the target just before half-time. Albert Riera’s men showed more intent after the break, with Michael Den Heijer’s close-range header hitting the woodwork. The crossbar denied Stipe Ukich’s powerful long-range drive as City began to take control.

Ukich produced another vicious strike, brilliantly tipped over the bar by Oscar Mason. However, City’s sustained pressure finally paid off in the 74th minute when Lobo’s superb free kick from the edge of the box beat Mason.

As the clock ran down, Springs turned their desperation into an equaliser courtesy of Drake. There was still time for a final twist, with Tobin snatching an unlikely win following a corner in the 5th minute of injury time.

The victory moved Scott Hales’ side into fifth place on the ladder with 9 points. Despite the defeat, Auckland City remains on top with 13 points, ahead of second-placed Birkenhead on goal difference.

In the next round, the league leaders will host the Phoenix at Kiwitea on Sunday, November 10.

MATCH DETAILS
National League R6
Kiwitea Street
Auckland City FC: 1 (Nathan LOBO 74’)
Western springs AFC: 2 (Reid DRAKE 88' Patrick TOBIN 90’+5)

HT: 0-0

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY, 2. Mario ILICH (CP), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8.Gerard GARRIGA, 22. (Tong ZHOU 90+3’), 10. Dylan MANICKUM, (11 Ryan DE VRIES 74’), 13. Nathan LOBO, 14. Kentaro OZAKI, (9. Angus KILKOLLY 86’), ( 17. Jerson LAGOS, 25.Michael DEN HEIJER, 27. Stipe UKICH (16. Joe LEE 90+3’)

SUBS NOT USED: 24. Nathan GARROW GK

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