AUCKLAND, NZ — Auckland City FC’s path to National League qualification took another twist after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Auckland FC at Fred Taylor Park on Saturday afternoon.
9 August 2025
The Navy Blues dominated the opening half, controlling possession and creating a flurry of chances through David Yoo, Jerson Lagos, and a stinging long range effort from Christian Gray. Their breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Jeremy Foo calmly slotted home to give the visitors a deserved lead.
But despite their dominance, Auckland City failed to convert further opportunities and were made to pay in injury time when Codey Phoenix snatched a late equaliser for the hosts.
The result leaves the defending champions in fifth place on the Northern League ladder, with only three rounds remaining. A top-four finish is essential for National League qualification, and while the margin for error has narrowed, their fate remains in their own hands. Crucially, they still face Auckland United and Eastern Suburbs, two teams currently above them.
“It’s pretty disappointing,” admitted right-back Dylan Connolly. “We controlled the game in the first half, but the second half was different. They had more of the ball, and we sat back. Unfortunately, we paid the price right at the end.”
Connolly reflected on the team’s recent struggles: “The talent’s there, no doubt. But when you’re in bad form, the little bits of luck you usually get just don’t fall your way. We’ve got three cup finals to come now. It’s up to us, we have to rely on ourselves.”
Despite the setback, Connolly struck a defiant tone: “Back to the drawing board. The work just gets harder. We’ll back each other to the end and go again next week. We know what we have to do.”
With everything still to play for, Auckland City FC must now summon their championship spirit and turn frustration into fuel for the final push.
Match Result
Northern League R19
Saturday, 9 Aug
Fred Taylor Park, Whenuapai
Auckland FC: 1 (Codey PHOENIX 90+1’)
Auckland City FC: 1 (Jeremy FOO 40’)
HT: 0-1
AC: 24. Nathan GARROW, 4. Christian GRAY, 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA (CP), (6. Jackson MANUEL79’), 12. Regont MURATI, 13. Nathan LOBO, (10. Dylan MANICKUM 61’), 15. Jeremy FOO, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 19. Dylan CONNOLY, 26. David YOO (9. Angus KILKOLLY 61’),
SUBS NOT USED: 8. Areya PRASAD (GK), 20. Paris DOMFEH
HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
