Emphatic Win Seals National League Final Berth

Words: ACFC MEDIA

Sunday 24 November 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC have emphatically displayed their National League title ambitions by overwhelming Coastal Spirit 5-1 in a crucial clash at Kiwitea, securing their place in next week’s title decider against Birkenhead United at North Harbour Stadium.

Myer Bevan was the star of the show, netting a remarkable hat-trick in just three minutes. His second goal, a spectacular 40-metre strike, will surely be remembered as one of the best ever seen, giving City a comfortable lead by half-time.

Entering the final round in fourth place, Albert Riera’s side needed a win to leapfrog Western Springs and Napier City Rovers into a top-two position, keeping their dream of a record 10th National League title alive. The Kiwitea faithful were not disappointed, as the team played with intensity and urgency from the outset, suffocating the visitors with high pressing and relentless attacks.

In the 18th minute, Dylan Manickum's persistence in Coastal’s box paid off as he set up Bevan for the opening goal. Just moments after the restart, Bevan was at it again, picking up the ball near the halfway line and unleashing a sweetly struck shot past Coastal's keeper Ellis Hare-Reid.

Less than a minute later Bevan was celebrating again, rushing to the the corner flag to salute the crowd and mark his remarkable hat-trick.

Despite their dominance, City were unlucky not to extend their lead before the break, with Kailan Gould forcing a superb save from Hare-Reid and Garriga heading just wide at the stroke of half-time.

Coastal Spirit rallied after the restart, pulling one back through Kenshin Hayashy, whose shot deflected off Adam Mitchell. However, City responded minutes later with Manickum finishing off a brilliant run and pass from the lively Jason Lagos on the left.

Hare-Reid made another excellent save to tip Kentaro Ozaki's looping header over the crossbar, but Ozaki had the last laugh, drilling home from the subsequent corner to seal the victory.

Substitute Angus Kilkolly was denied by the post in injury time, but it didn’t matter. Auckland City FC had done enough to stamp their ticket to next week’s grand final.

Ends

MATCH DETAILS
National League R9
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC: 5 (Myer BEVAN 18', 19', 21' Dylan MANICKUM 65' Kentaro OZAKI 70'
Coastal Spirit FC: 1 (Adam MITCHELL 62' (OG)

HT: 3–0

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY GK, (24. Nathan GARROW GK 76’), 2. Mario ILICH (CP), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 6. Kailan GOULD, (14. Kentaro OZAKI 61’), 7. Myer BEVAN, (11. Ryan DE VRIES 76’), 8.Gerard GARRIGA, (9. Angus KILKOLLY 76’), 10. Dylan MANICKUM, (27. Stipe UKICH 67’), 13. Nathan LOBO, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 19, Yuki AIZU, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER

SUBS NOT USED:

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