Title Defence Back On Track

In a match brimming with drama, missed chances, and moments of brilliance, it was Spanish midfield maestro Gerard Garriga who stole the show with a brace, while 19-year-old debutant Riley Dalziell announced himself with two sublime assists.

The Navy Blues had a golden opportunity to settle early nerves when awarded a penalty, but talisman Myer Bevan uncharacteristically blasted his effort over the bar. That miss looked costly as Western Suburbs capitalised, with Sebastian Barton-Ginger finishing off a pinpoint Jonathan Robinson cross to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Auckland City responded ten minutes later through Garriga, who latched onto Dalziell’s cross from the right. His initial shot was saved, but the ball fell kindly for a second attempt, which he rifled into the roof of the net. 

The equaliser sparked life into the hosts, and they took control of the game. Just before halftime, David Yoo produced a moment of magic, with a classy finish with the outside of his left boot after a clever setup from Bevan to send Auckland into the break 2-1 up.

The second half saw Auckland continue to assert dominance. Garriga added his second with a perfectly timed header from another Dalziell delivery, showcasing the young winger’s composure and quality on debut. 

At 3-1, the Navy Blues looked to be cruising, managing possession and tempo with maturity.

But Western Suburbs refused to go quietly. Deep into injury time, Cameron Mackenzie’s long-range effort took a deflection and found the net, setting up a nervy finale. Auckland held firm, however, showing the resilience of champions to secure all three points.

Speaking after the match, Garriga emphasised the importance of bouncing back:

“After the disappointment last weekend, it didn’t matter how, we just needed the three points. It’s a short league, and dropping too many early makes it hard to reach the top two.”

On his own performance and Dalziell’s debut:

“I like to be in the box, and today the balls came. Riley did an amazing job, he’s been sharp in training, and today he showed it. I was lucky to get two goals, but the most important thing is helping the team.”

Auckland City FC now face a stern test as they travel to the capital to take on high-flying Wellington Olympic in Round 4. With momentum restored and young talent emerging, the Navy Blues will look to build on this gritty win and keep their title defence on track.

Ends

Match Result
National League R3
Saturday, 11 October
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC: 3 (Gerard GARRIGA 36′, 67’David YOO 45’+2′)
Western Suburbs FC: 2 (Sebastian BARTON-GINGER 23’ Cameron MACKENZIE 90’+2′)

HT: 2-1

AC:  24. Nathan GARROW GK), 2. Mario ILICH (CP), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA,  (16. Joe LEE 83’), 13. Nathan LOBO, (Dylan MANICKUM 77’), 15. Jeremy FOO,  20. Matt ELLIS (Regont MURATI 68’), 26. David YOO (25. Michael DEN HEIJER 83’), 30. Riley DALZIELL

SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD

HEAD COACH:  Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON