Wallace Header Hands Win to Springs

Saturday 12 April 2025

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AUCKLAND, New Zealand - A Benjamin Wallace header has given Western Springs a 1-0 win over Auckland City FC in the latest round of Northern League action today.

City fielded a strong side that featured Angus Kilkolly, Mario Ilich, Kailan Gould, Alfie Rogers, Regont Murati, Jackson Manuel, Kentaro Ozaki and Joe Lee.

Sprinkled among the regular starters were youngsters Ryan Ellis, Paris Domfeh and Jesse Gage, while Reon Werahiko, Santino Escolme and Kaio Martinez found a place on the bench.

The match was evenly contested and came to life when Areya Prasad tipped a long range shot over the crossbar after 15 minutes.

Murati had the best of the chances for City when his snap shot cracked off the face of Oscar Mason's right hand upright.

Mason was also forced into good saves to prevent chances by Lee, Kilkolly and Gould from ending up in the back of the net.

Skipper Mario Ilich said he was gutted with the result after City dominated possession and created plenty of scoring chances.

"I'm pretty happy with our performance overall. They had one chance and they scored one goal. We had plenty of chances to put the game to bed but that's what happens - if you don't take your chances, you don't win the game.

"I'm disappointed by the result but there are plenty of positives. We had a lot of young players making their home debut at Kiwitea Street like Paris Domfeh and Ryan Ellis. There were some good individual performances but it doesn't count for anything because we dropped three points," he said.

With Auckland City FC facing Hekari United in the final of the OFC Champions League at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands at 7.00pm NZST, Ilich said all eyes will be focussed on FIFA+.

"We'll be watching the boys in a couple of hours time and wish them all the best, give us a good performance and bring the Oceania trophy back to Auckland tonight."

In earlier action, a goal each for Oliver Cunnington and substitute Lucas Townsend in the second half gave coach Brock Radich's U-23 side a comfortable 2-0 win over Auckland City FC U-23 at the Croatian Cultural Society in Te Atatu. Keeper Reon Werahiko kept City in touch with the visitors when he made a fantastic save from a Springs penalty kick.

All attention now turns to the OFC Champions League Final as Auckland City FC take on 2010 Oceania champions Hekari United at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands, at 7.00pm NZST live on FIFA+.

The winner of this match qualifies for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025.

Ends

Match Result
Northern League
Saturday 12 April 2025
Auckland City FC 0
Western Springs 1 (Benjamin WALLACE 34')
HT: 0-1.

AC: 18. Areya PRASAD (GK), 2. Mario ILICH (c), 6. Kailan GOULD, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, 12. Regont MURATI, 14. Jeremy FOO, 15. Jackson MANUEL, 16. Joe LEE, 19. Kentaro OZAKI, 20. Paris DOMFEH, 23. Alfie ROGERS.

SUBS NOT USED: 24. Reon WERAHIKO (GK), 13. Jesse GAGE, 17. Santino ESCOLME, 26. Kaio MARTINEZ, 27. Ryan ELLIS.

HEAD COACH: Daewook KIM
ASSISTANT: Martin BRANDON
LOGISTICS: Rob HAYTER
MANAGER: Dinesh CHAND
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Carlos DE LA FUENTE