AUCKLAND, NZ —Auckland City FC proved once again why they’re a force to be reckoned with, pulling off a gripping 2–1 victory over second-placed Birkenhead United on a wet Wednesday night at the Croatian Club.
30 July 2025
With the win, the Navy Blues surged into the Northern League’s top three, level on points with their opponents, and reignited their title chase in thrilling fashion.
The heavy Auckland downpour made conditions tricky, but City were relentless from the outset. Dominating possession, territory, and chances, they carved out five corners before Birkenhead earned a single one. But despite promising moments from David Yoo and Jerson Lagos, the first half ended goalless.
The breakthrough Cameron the hour mark, and it was a beauty. WingerHaris Zeb took matters into his own hands, rifling a long-range strike into the back of the net. “It wasn’t bad,” Zeb grinned post-match. “Reggie cut inside and found me in space. The pitch was rough, so I just had a go, luckily, it came off!”
Birkenhead hit back via a goalmouth scramble at the end of a corner, with David Botica exposing City’s vulnerability fromset pieces. “They’ve got big boys,” admitted Zeb. “We knew that was their strength.”
But Auckland weren’t done. Lagos rattled the crossbar with a stunning free-kick, and in what’s becoming a trademark late show, David Yoo popped up in injury time, just as Christian Gray had four days earlier, to seal the win with an emphatic finish inside the box.
“We’ve been through a rough patch,” Zeb said. “But two wins against top-of-the-table sides… it puts us in great stead for the National League. We’re buzzing, honestly.”
Now back in the title conversation with five games to go, City host Fencibles United at Kiwitea Street on Saturday. Whether it’s late drama or dominant displays, the Navy Blues are marching again, with their eyes fixed on the top four, and beyond.
Ends
Match Result
Northern League R15
Saturday, 30 July,
Croatian Cultural Society
Auckland City FC: 2 (Haris ZEB 58’, David YOO 90’+2)
Birkenhead United 1(Dino BOTICA 70’)
HT: 0-0
AC: 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) Christian GRAY, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 12. Regont MURATI (9. Angus KILKOLLY 77’), 15. Jeremy FOO, (6. Jackson MANUEL 77’) ,17. Jerson LAGOS, 19. Dylan CONNOLY, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER (CP), 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB (13. Nathan LOBO 73’)
SUBS NOT USED: 1. Conor TRACEY (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
