City Fall Short Despite Second Half Comeback

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 10 November 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC suffered back-to-back home defeats following an action-packed 4-3 loss to Wellington Phoenix Reserves on Sunday afternoon at Kiwitea Street.

Despite falling three goals behind and missing a penalty in the first half, City staged a stirring comeback after the break to level the scores, only for the Nix to rally deep into injury time to snatch all three points in a rollercoaster encounter.

The visitors took an early lead when tall defender Jayden Smith headed home from a corner in the 4th minute. Auckland City pressed forward in search of an equaliser, with Joe Lee, Myer Bevan, and Jerson Lagos all looking dangerous in the build-up play but unable to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised defence.

The Nix punished City on the counter-attack, with Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues displaying composure and class to score two quick goals in the 32nd and 35th minutes.

With their backs against the wall, Albert Riera’s men finished the half strongly, forcing a penalty for a handball inside the box. However, Phoenix keeper Dublin Boon produced a crucial save to deny Bevan’s spot-kick attempt.

Riera introduced Kailan Gould and Stipe Ukich after the half-time break, and the substitutions injected new energy into the team.

Despite the visitors' efforts to repel a wave of attacks, Angus Kilkolly made an impact soon after his entry in the 62nd minute, pulling one back for City.

Bevan then tapped in from close range to make it 3-2, and Kilkolly equalised in the 87th minute, with the home side chasing a remarkable comeback win.

However, there was a late twist as Luke Flowerdew netted a rare second-half chance for the Nix in injury time.

Kilkolly came agonisingly close to completing his hat-trick, only to be denied by a superb save from Boon just before the final whistle, securing all three points for Wellington.

The defeat leaves Auckland City in third place, a point behind leaders Napier City Rovers and second-placed Birkenhead United.

With two rounds remaining, City's destiny remains in their own hands. Next week, they travel to Napier to face the league leaders, where a win, followed by another victory against Coastal Spirit in the final round at Kiwitea, would secure the Navy Blues a top-two finish and a spot in the National League title decider.

MATCH DETAILS
National League R7
Kiwitea Street
Auckland City FC: 3 (Angus KILKOLLY 72', 87' Myer BEVAN 77)
Wellington Phoenix Res: 4 (Jayden SMITH 4' Gabriel SLOANE-RODRIGUES 32', 35' Luke FLOWERDEW 90'+1)

HT: 0–3

AC: 24. Nathan GARROW GK, 2. Mario ILICH (CP), 3. Adam MITCHELL, (14. Kentaro OZAKI), 7. Myer BEVAN, 8.Gerard GARRIGA, 10. Dylan MANICKUM (27. Stipe UKICH 46’), 11 Ryan DE VRIES, ( 9. Angus KILKOLLY 62’) 13. Nathan LOBO, 16. Joe LEE, (6. Kailan GOULD), 17. Jerson LAGOS, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER,

SUBS NOT USED: 1. Conor TRACEY,

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