2022 Men’s National League – Week Four Review
Melville United vs Cashmere Technical
A lovely green Gower Park was where week four got underway for the hombres. Tough couple weeks for Cashy Tech as they suffered goalless defeats against Auckland City and Wellington Olympic... though to be fair they were only 1-0 down after 70 minutes of both those games. Also those may be the two best teams in the entire National League (along with Birkenhead) so all we really learned about the Techies there was that they probably won’t be title contenders... but that told nothing about how they’d match up away against Melville United - who finally scored their first goal of the season with a 90th minute equalising penalty against the WeeNix last week.
Funky look to the home team who switched things up to a back four, probably in the hope of better supporting their attack. That meant Luke Searle and Braedan Quilter-Phipps at fullback with Sean Liddicoat and Raheem Hunter through the middle. Aaron Scott stepped into midfield alongside Josh Galletly. Harry Christensen-Rose and Jerson Lagos were the wide midfielders. Ryen Lawrence supported Oli Colloty up front. This was also head to head between the two fellas who shared the golden boot at the recent U19 Oceania Champs. Colloty was one for Melville. Kian Donkers the other for Cashmere Tech. Both have one goal so far in this Natty League. Donkers was on the bench though.
Cashmere will have been stoked to see captain Tom Schwarz return for his first game of the NL. Happy days as the veteran defender (and twin brother of coach Dan) took up his spot alongside Andrew Storer in the backline. That was the only change from week three. Cashmere know what they like to do.
Shots were of limited proficiency as this game settled into its patterns. Probably two teams who’d each have preferred to be playing against opponents who gave them a little more room to work with. Melville too quick to look for the killer ball (especially with deep crosses). Cashmere looking sharp as long as Garbhan Coughlan was involved but he was having to drop quite deep to do so, a long way from the target.
Galletly did produce a mean little touch around a defender before unleashing a volley... but it went well over. Colloty and Lagos had some decent glimpses. Definitely fair to say that the formation change had opened things up more for Melville however taking advantage of that against a Storer/Schwarz combo is hard for the best of them. Let alone a team yet to score from open play.
A Luke Tongue by-line cross caused some issues for Melville at the back before Sam Lasplie air-balled a great chances about ten yards out. Elsewhere Luke Searle drilled the side-netting from distance. Then back the other way where Coughlan set up Jake Richards but he dragged his shot. Next came the first proper save of the match as Colloty stole the ball from Storer (who seemed to be struggling with a knee injury) and his shot low across Danny Knight was excellently saved. Though not as excellent as the next one of Colloty’s that he denied mere seconds later. Unreal save right here...
Ain’t it so often the case: Cashmere Tech scored soon afterwards. Great save at one end then a goal at the other. Coughlan involved, of course. He didn’t score but with his gravitational pull attracting defenders from all angles he provided the assist when he whipped the ball wide to Jake Richards in space on the right. Richards’ first touch was kinda sloppy but maybe that was deliberate because the ball subsequently sat up sweetly for him to swing the laces through it on the bounce. Pick that one out.
Could’ve had a second straight after with Coughlan pulling the ball back across goal only for Richards to scoop it over. Might’ve taken an unfriendly bobble. Could have been the pressure from the enclosing defenders. He had just scored a beauty a minute earlier though so we’ll forgive him. Coughlan pinged one wide via a crucial deflection as well. Plus Schwarz headed down but off target from the resulting corner. MU did manage a Galletly strike that was blocked but fell to Colloty who couldn’t do more than gently nudge it towards Knight on the stretch. It all happened very quickly but Colloty possibly had time for a touch there. 1-0 the score after the first forty-five of action.
Tech began the second half in the ascendency although a long ball from Scott did find Lawrence in some room only for him to get caught between shooting and crossing and Knight made the save. Then back to scheduled programming as Garbhan Coughlan scored the goal he’d deserved pretty much from the very start of this match. Quick one-two with Lyle Matthysen followed by an emphatic striker’s finish. Everything about that goal was ruthlessly efficient. Brilliantly done.
Ah but hold up because Melville pulled one back soon after. Finally an open play goal... sort of. It did come via a set piece but that set piece was a long throw from Luke Searle. Into the mixer and honestly the Techies made a bit of a mess of it to allow Ryen Lawrence to creep it over the line after what looked like a Hunter flick-on (gonna give him the assist anyway). Sam Wilkinson had just made a couple positive subs with Quinton Kipara and Campbell Brown on, now Melville making things happen. Let’s go.
With apologies to Melville supporters... the comeback was short-lived. Because in the 70th minute a lunging challenge by Campbell Brown on Jacob Richards (after some superb short passing from CT) drew a red card out of the ref’s back pocket. It was a bad challenge but perhaps a harsh sending-off considering there were other defenders in the vicinity so the last-man thing was up for some debate. Safe to say that Sean Liddicoat didn’t agree. He was booked for his arguments.
Auckland City came back to get a draw last week despite being down to ten men, a wee bit of inspo for the Waikato side. Hunter headed over from a corner kick. Colloty drew another good save out of Knight. They definitely were not giving up. Coughlan and Liddicoat both needed some treatment for separate knocks, with Liddicoat needing to be subbed off (looked like it might’ve been a hamstring – not good). Technical threw on Kian Donkers for the last twenty, replacing Storer (with Tongue going to CB). Eventually Coughlan produced another dash of magic...
Damn, he’s good. This was a masterclass from the Irishman. Nice ball from Sam Lapslie for the assist too.
At 3-1 the air went out of the home team’s tires. However this game wasn’t quite finished yet... as in the 87th min Donkers ran onto a flick-on and was taken down by Luke Searle. This was a more clear cut last-man challenge although Searle was already on a yellow anyway so a moot point. Melville would have to close the game out with nine men.
Cashmere T kept trucking for goals, especially Coughlan who was on a hatty. Donkers drew a save. Waikato native Lachie McIsaac put the follow-up over the bar. Yeah nah. 3-1 was the way it finished as Cashmere Technical claimed a fine victory built upon the majestic offerings of Garbhan Coughlan with two goals and an assist. They defended well although did rely on some Danny Knight prowess with the gloves. JJ Richards scored a mint goal. Tom Schwarz settled back in smoothly. All in all a lovely way to get back on track.
You do have to worry about Melville though. They’re undeniably one of the ten best teams in the nation but they might not be in the top eight so this league will get tricky if Sean Liddicoat misses extended time, especially against Christchurch United next week with Brown and Searle both suspended. After that they still have to face Birkenhead and Auckland City over their last four matches.
But they’re battlers, this lot. They won’t lack the fighting spirit. And to be honest this game might’ve gone quite differently if they’d taken one of their first half chances. Oli Colloty had his busiest afternoon yet but couldn’t get that pesky ball into the net. Ah well. He’s up against his old club next week so there’s revenge game potential for him to show ‘em what they’re missing.
Wellington Olympic vs Birkenhead United
Well now, here we go. Absolutely enormous game at Endeavour Park in Wellington as the Central League champs took on the runners-up from the Northern League. This is a single round robin competition with a grand final at the end. Only the top two progress that far. Auckland City are probably going to be there and these are the two next best teams, competing for points that they won’t have a second chance at. Both of them have gotta take care of games elsewhere but assuming they do, this was basically an advance screening of a semi-final.
Wellington Olympic welcomed back Justin Gulley but lost captain Ben Mata to an injury. One in, one out. Kailan Gould also returned to the starting team and otherwise it was the same dudes as last week (a 3-0 win over Cashmere Tech). Birkenhead went even sturdier with the exact same eleven that played so well against Auckland City in that thrilling 2-2 draw rewarded. Zero changes. Away we go.
Aaand Wellington Olympic scored. Last week Birko started fast and scored within a few minutes. This week they started fast again but conceded as a wonderful turn from Jesse Randall saw him spin into space and then feed Jonty Roubos on the overlap. Nobody near him... so Roubos picked his spot at the near top corner. Sharp finish. Silky goal. Incredible start for the home side in a crucial game.
Birko won a bunch of corners, attacking with pace down the wings and trying to target those set pieces which has been a feast for them so far. Olympic were working those silky in-and-outs seeking to get the likes of Randall and JH Sinclair on the ball at pace. Good signs that both teams were going to be able to play their usual exciting styles – giving us a proper May The Best Team Win bonanza. Granted, both teams are also built upon very sturdy back threes and other than that very early goal there was very little of note as far as incisive attacks go. Plenty of fouls to keep it funky at least (as well as a few that weren’t called, keeping it even funkier).
Twice Jesse Randall’s speed got him into room but his first touches took him too deep on both occasions. A few opportunistic attempts from Birko as well. All up not a first half for the neutrals as that early goal turned out to be a red herring for what followed. Then again, if you were paying close attention to the midfield battles between Tor Davenport-Petersen/Nati Hailemariam and Corban Piper/Luke Jorgensen then there was plenty to focus upon.
Paul Hobson wasn’t messing around. The Birko coach was quick to turn to his bench in the second stanza with Everton O’Leary and Levi Wilson chucked out there within five mins of the resumption. That move came soon after Randall had angled his way behind the defence from a fine looking ball via Gould’s left foot but Rodic saved well with his foot. There was a great stroke from Gianni Bouzoukis too which Rodic parried clear. In between and up the other end Sam Burfoot struck a dipping effort on target that Scott Basalaj did well to slap to safety. Already the game was opening up in the second half.
Shout out to the heavy head of Dino Botica which kept Jack-Henry Sinclair from lashing in yet another goal after the hour mark. Same dude blocked the same dude a short while later too. But honestly what are you supposed to do about this...
Nothing, is what. Randall with the lay-off. Sinclair with the thumping finish. Four goals and three assists for JHS this season, he’s been in supreme form... although he got clattered by Botica soon after the goal and needed some physio attention. Botica was booked for the challenge. Basalaj ran fifty metres to tell the ref that wasn’t enough. Did I mention this was a feisty game? All three starting Birko CBs ended up in the book. They had five yellow cards overall (Olympic didn’t have any).
Birkenhead needed a response in a hurry. Andrew Cromb and Miles Palmer both entered the game and before long Cromb headed a corner kick off the post. So close to exactly what they were looking for. Cromb also made a good sliding block to keep Bouzoukis out, who was denied a goal for the first game this National League. He’s now got company at the top of the golden boot ranks via his buddy JHS. Kailan Gould was the bloke instigating a lot for Olympic who were now looking very sharp – once again rampaging their way to the end of a match. Having said that it was Connor Gaul who won the 83rd minute penalty. In fairness to Jackson Woods he’d arguably been fouled twice himself before he dragged Gaul down but penalty awarded nonetheless. Alas, Gould fizzed the spottie over the bar. Oops.
Not a lot of Birko further chances despite some good intentions, not until the last few minutes when they had a proper berserker raid on the WO goal. There was a mint Dane Schnell header from a long Burfoot ball into the mixer that had Basalaj saving on the dive. Another towering Cromb header that Basalaj also tipped clear. Simply no way past the Olympic goalie on this day and thus Wellington Olympic claimed a massive three points with a 2-0 victory.
Scott Basalaj has kept three clean sheets in a row, all in wins. Four games in and only Auckland City have scored past Wellington Olympic’s defences. Even without Ben Mata they were as good here as they have been in any of them. Alex Palezevic had a strong game... while Tor Davenport-Petersen was a huge presence in the midfield. Chuck in yet another JH Sinclair goal as well as a couple Jesse Randall assists (he leads the entire league with 5 assists to his name) and some mean attacking work from Gianni Bouzoukis and Kailan Gould (missed pen aside) too and this was another commanding Greeks triumph.
Birkenhead’s best chances came from set pieces where they looked a constant threat but none of them ended up as goals. Not a whole lot going on from open play. They defended aggressively and kept things niggly but if they’re going to make the final then they’ll be banking on results elsewhere. No backsees, they were the beaten team here and that’s how it goes. Love a bit of Corban Piper in midfield though... he made the TNC Team of the Week last round and got well amongst the feistiness here. Tidy young player who’ll go toe to toe with anyone, literally speaking.
Christchurch United vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves
Sneaky game now between two teams yet to win this season, each with two draws and a loss through the opening three rounds. United have looked decent but haven’t had enough attacking sauce on their hot chips. The WeeNix have been brilliant in the last couple first halves but have then blown leads in both and before that conceded a stoppage time winner. Haven’t logged a full ninety yet. Here was a chance for both of them to fix things.
Christchurch United were missing defender Blake Weston due to a hand injury which meant teenager Noa Prestel started alongside fellow teenager Riley Grover at the back. Joe Hoole also returned to the starting line-up. Still had a strong team but depth was getting skint... to the point that coach Paul Ifill even threw himself on the bench (he ended up being the only substitute he didn’t use).
Two particularly interesting things about that WeeNix team. One is that Lucas Mauragis, the Aussie left back who started the first two rounds of the A-League (admittedly while Sam Sutton was injured), is on loan from the Newcastle Jets and was therefore ineligible to play for the main team this week so instead of a trip to Newcastle he took a trip to Christchurch and played LB, knocking last week’s goal scorer Adam Supyk to the bench. The other thing is that they were without Noah Karunaratne, Riley Bidois, and Fin Conchie. Three of their best players. Not sure about Conchie but the other two were included in the A-League team’s wider travelling squad for the Jets game and Karunarante even made it onto the bench. So in came Joseph Chiari at right back with Matt Sheridan moving into midfield. There were also first starts this year for Josh Rudland and Kaelin Nguyen.
You know how sometimes there are games where you can tell that it just isn’t gonna be your day? Christchurch United might’ve had that realisation after six minutes when keeper Scott Morris was caught out of his area after making a poor clearance straight to Rudland, whom he promptly axed down. It was a clear foul. No doubt about that. Bit surprising to see the red card emerge given that there were other defenders in the vicinity (similar to that Melville instance). Hammer blow against the home side already – also meant they had to sub off Hoole in order to bring on reserve goalie Edward Ashton.
A few minutes later, Matt Sheridan scored a delicious shot from distance to put the WeeNix in front...
United managed a couple sneaky instances getting forward before forging a great opportunity as Mika Rabuka struck low from about nine yards only for Alby Kelly-Heald to make a sharp stop. But then on 18’ the Nix went and scored again. Mauragis played it down the line for Nguyen who slipped in Ben Wallace on the underlap and he snuck it home at the near post. And very soon it was threesies. Lucas Mauragis pulled out all the tricks against Jordan Spain and Will Pierce before chipping over a cross that Kaelin Nguyen comfortably headed in. Well now. 3-0 to the WeeNix after 22 minutes... against ten men. Surely this was one lead they’d actually be able to hold onto.
Not if Mika Rabuka had anything to say about the matter...
That was a screamer of a strike. Get in. The ten men still with heaps of capability.
Wallace hoofed one over the top of the defence for Nguyen to run onto but he couldn’t get it under control before running out of room. Rudland absolutely should have scored when Beale found him six yards out but he glanced it wide off his in-step, twice that touch in the penalty area letting the WeeNixers down. Rudland also dragged a shot across goal after Lukas Kelly-Heald had hit him with a long ball (a much tougher chance this time). Then some utter carnage as Rudland’s pace took him between both Spain and Prestel but he cut back and Ashton made a good save with his body. Beale then gave it back to Rudland whose second effort was tipped away by Ashton who then somehow scraped the loose ball around the post to safety.
So, yeah, it could have been even worse for United at the half... though to be fair Jordan Spain did get a header on target in stoppage time that could have closed things up even further. Two-goal leads have a way of feeling safer than they really are. A dangerous lead, as the saying goes, even if the ten men thing was a rather substantial hurdle.
Back underway and it was WeeNix possession in the Chch half, working a few sneaky shots but nothing keeper Ashton had to worry about. Not that the Phoenix were panicking up 3-1 and playing the bulk of the game at the right end of the field. After blowing consecutive second half leads there was a steely determination not to make that mistake again. They eased off on their press. Made sure they stayed structured out of possession. Chris Greenacre no doubt with very firm instructions.
And so it was that this game kinda just fizzled out. No more goals and very few shots (although some more fine work from Mauragis did set up McKay to bang one in with the last kick of the game and he whiffed it). You can bet that Greenacre absolutely loved it too – a thoroughly professional second half against ten me for the WeeNix, nursing that lead without much of a problem for a 3-1 win. Their first win of the season. Lucas Mauragis was good fun at LB seeking to show everyone that he belongs at a higher level. Wouldn’t say he dominated but the constant intent was awesome. Did get one assist. Could have had a couple more. Good from him.
Also rate Matthew Sheridan in the midfield really seeking to attack from those areas. He played well. Rudland was rusty after a few weeks off but he showed something this team has been lacking up front as a proper number nine. Hopefully we’ll see him get a run of games. Also they won this one without the likes of Conchie, Bidois, or Karunaratne. Five of the WeeNix’s six goals so far have come inside the first half hour. In those initial thirty minutes they’ve got a cumulative scoreline of 5-1. In the remaining hour it flips to 1-4. But they held on for the win this time.
Whatever plans Paul Ifill had for his Christchurch United team – and there would have been a few given that he commentated on the last two WeeNix games, getting paid to scout them up close – they would have gone out the window when the red card happened. It was a harsh one and you’d expect there was some fury in the home dressing room as a result. They then compounded that with three quick goals conceded... but at least Mika Rabuka continues to have a positive effect. A goal to go with the two assists he already has. United have scored exactly once in all four games.
Miramar Rangers vs Auckland United
David Farrington Park always looks a treat and particularly so on a sunny afternoon. Miramar Rangers were hoping to take the momentum from their late two-goal comeback last week in Napier to get their first win of the campaign and lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder. Auckland United were still undefeated through three games though so it certainly wasn’t gonna come easy.
Miramar Rangers welcomed Hamish Watson back into the line-up after missing last week. Joe Knowles was in goal for the second week in a row, the first goalie to back up for MR this National League. Tiahn Manuel also came back into the eleven.
As far as the visitors were concerned, Ross Haviland was back after his red card suspension so they had their top strength back four again (Murati, Haviland, Mogg, Raniga – as effective as any going around). That that was one of five differences to last week’s team. Jose Figueira really mixing it up. Joshua Redfearn got the gig alongside Nic Zambrano up front. Andrew Blake made his first start after being a regular substitute so far. And Oliver Middleton and Ryusei Ishibashi each started in their first appearances of the Natty League. No Oliver Fay or Will Mendoza, Onwards.
It took 41 seconds for Hamish Watson to flick a ball past a defender and drill a shot on target. No worries with the save for Mack Waite there. Two minutes later Wilson Souphanthavong tried his luck from further out and came up with a bad beat from the dealer as his shot smacked flush into the crossbar... then Andy Bevin headed the rebound over the top from a sneaky good position.
Thrilling start for the home side... who looked to be lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Quite different to their usual back three shape, yet when results aren’t going your way a formation change is often a useful tool. It meant extra numbers out wide and a more compact defensive line. It also meant Hamish Watson operated on the left wing which was strange. Watto vs Reg Murati is quite the duel... though predictably Watson spent a lot of time drifting inwards.
United may have had a different looking forward line but they were flooding forward with intent as well. A couple of gentle sighters from Zambrano and Ishibashi. Then a very good low strike from Harshae Raniga angling infield and forcing Joe Knowles into a near post save. The opposite fullback, Murati, also slammed a cross/shot in from wide right that hit the crossbar, perhaps accidentally. That new defensive shape from Rangers getting caught out by the overlaps a couple times (particularly on the left where Blake and Murati were combining). In fact after the initial flurry from Miramar, it was Auckland United who were soon the team calling the shots.
Rangers weathered that storm by slowing things down with some measured possession. Hamish Watson vigilantly kept Mack Waite alert by appealing for both a back-pass and a hand-ball outside the area (neither were called, neither should have been called). Then just before the half there were monster chances for both teams as first Josh Redfearn glanced a header across goal from a chipped Murati cross. Then Watson powered one on target only for Waite to make a very good save with Liam Wood lurking in close vicinity. 0-0 at half-time.
Should specify that it wasn’t a fully balanced 4-2-3-1 from Miramar. Scotty Hales had his forwards interchanging, with the exception of Wilson Souphanthavong who was staying wide on the right, in turn meaning that right back Harry Chote held deeper whereas Jorge Akers on the left was getting quite far forward – therefore keeping echoes of that old back three. At least in-possession. Compared to the 10 goals they conceded in the first three weeks it was working alright too... though Joe Knowles had definitely been the busier of the two keepers.
There were plenty of fouls going on which broke things up whilst also offering some decent set piece opportunities. Enjoyed a bit of Saul Milovanovic trying to catch Mack Waite out with a low drilled shot when everyone was awaiting a cross. Didn’t lead to anything but in a game where it was increasingly looking like the defences would come out on top it was worth a try. It’s not that there weren’t chances so much as the final pass or the shot would fail to live up to the rest of the play. Additionally the centre-backs all deserve a hype-up... as does AK Utd defensive midfielder Michael Den Heijer who was a commanding force.
United were the team with more going on yet they were also the more wasteful team. Murati flicked a header over the top from a Middleton corner. There were blocked and deflected shots all over the place, Nic Zambrano responsible for a few. Andy Bevin did the same up the other end however Miramar didn’t really get Hamish Watson near enough to the goal and against this United defence it’s hard to find much joy playing in front of them.
United scored a very late winner against the WeeNix in round one. Could they do the same here? Yeah mate, they could...
Guy-Frank Essome-Penda off the bench to supply some pace and directness and it was his perfect ball into the six yard box that Josh Redfearn buried for an 81st minute goal. Rate the work from Harshae Raniga turning defence into attack up the left wing. Took a while but we got there in the end.
Rangers came from 2-0 down in the last five minutes plus stoppage time last week so there was precedence for a comeback. All the necessary desperation. But United made a couple subs to slow the heartbeats down and dutifully packed their backline tightly. Always with numbers around the ball. There was one huge moment as a deep Jorge Akers cross met the noggin of Hamish Watson... but it went wide. Auckland United with the 1-0 victory.
AK Utd remain undefeated. Two wins and two draws - both wins being 1-0ers with late goals – and only Wellington Olympic have conceded fewer times. They’re all the way up to third on the ladder now and will have the chance to claim contender status over the next two weeks as they go up against Auckland City (H) and Wellington Olympic (A). Dropped points against the WeeNix and Christchurch Utd probably mean they need to win at least one of those to have a hope of the final. Great games here from Mike Den Heijer, Kurtis Mogg, and Mack Waite. Josh Redfearn put that goal away when they needed it. Right on.
Miramar Rangers do actually leapfrog Melville with this result. Off the bottom of the table on goals scored thanks to Melville United’s heavier defeat bringing them level on goal difference. So that’s a positive for Rangers – even if they’ve still conceded more goals than anyone else... without having yet played Auckland City or Wellington Olympic (those are their last two fixtures).
Joe Knowles is looking good in goal. Wilson Souphanthavong, a fellow NZ U19s rep, has bundles of talent particularly when he’s on the dribble. And at some point a front-line with Hamish Watson, Andy Bevin, and Sam Mason-Smith is going to whack in a few. The 2021 South Central Series champs will not be winning the 2022 National League though, you can take that to the bank.
Auckland City vs Napier City Rovers
Lastly in our televised Sky Sports game this week we had a week four clash of undefeateds. No shockers that Auckland City had yet to taste defeat considering they’re Auckland City... although they were seconds away from losing last week in that crazy 2-2 draw against Birkenhead. Emiliano Tade with the stoppage time heroics. The type of goal that could give City a real spark after a few performances in which the fatigue of a long season might have been showing through. As for Napier City Rovers their undefeated status was a bit more unexpected but that’s what a sturdy defence can do. Here’s a match programme.
Auckland City lacked the services of the suspended Cam Howieson so Aidan Carey got the nod to start after a couple subs apps so far. Emiliano Tade also returned to the XI – so far it seems he’s going with a one-off, one-on policy to his starts. Angus Kilkolly and Adam Bell were the other alterations since the last match. For the visitors, injury meant that Kaeden Atkins couldn’t start although limited numbers meant he was still included on the bench. Cam Emerson replaced him in the team in their only change but that required an intriguing formational change as NCR went with a 4-2-3-1 shape rather than the 3-4-1-2 of the previous games. Doubling up in those wide areas to combat the known prowess of City.
Against the script it was Rovers who had the first proper chance when Conor Tracey crashed into Leaford Allen as he punched away a high ball but it only fell to Cam Emerson whose side-footed first-time effort lacked power and placement and was easily hacked clear. The weird way that chance unfolded made it seem less of an overt opportunity than it truly was. One gone begging there.
That instance turned out to be predictably misleading as ACFC swiftly settled into their typically excessive possession football with Rovers sitting deep and mostly allowing them to do so unchallenged... until they could sniff a turnover and then blast away on the counter. Which wasn’t often but was often enough that you could see the intent. It was quite a fascinating tactic because it’s the polar opposite of what Birkenhead troubled Auckland City so much with last week – Birko really getting up in their faces with a high-pressing and aggressive approach.
Rovers threatened with shots outside the area from Jonny McNamara and then more viciously from Leaford Allen. City threatened with dinky passes into the area looking for clever angled runs. None of those paid off... so Joe Lee decided to angle in on his trusty left foot from that right wing, skipping past a defender or two then playing a wall pass off Emiliano Tade before slashing in a quality strike. That was a silky goal. Auckland City’s first scored in the opening half of a game this NL. The Navy Blues drew first blood.
Angus Kilkolly was intent on drawing blood with a lunging challenge on Bill Robertson that earned him a yellow card. Tade had a pop at goal which wasn’t too dissimilar to the equaliser he scored last week but Oscar Mason was alert and smothered it comfortably. Napier City were keeping compact at the back and restricting most of the end product from their hosts although Kilkolly did also stroke one onto the crossbar later on in the half.
Elsewhere McNamara launched into a couple hacks at Jordan Vale, then hit the deck claiming a kick-out to his stomach. Just shaking things up to keep the L&P can plenty fizzy. Plus Mario Ilich pinged one off the back of the referee which was good for a laugh. An enjoyable first half which Auckland City finished leading by a single goal yet still massively in the balance after a McNamara low cross was deflected into the path of Christian Leopard with almost the last act of the stanza... but instead of scoring that amazing chance he merely hit the upright.
It was a bright start to the second for Rovers but they got nothing to show for it. Then Joe Lee made a dazzling run along the byline before cutting back to Tade... whose shot from about eight yards hit Fergus Neil on the shoulder for a crucial goal-line block. Tade had to reach back for it so couldn’t place it as he’d like. Still, you expected him to score. He had another crack soon after, lashing a long shot slightly high.
Imagine being Albert Riera, man. Proving himself a very handy coach, sure, but also 55 minutes into the game he could just sub on Dylan Manickum and Ryan De Vries. Not bad as far as reinforcements go. ACFC continued to nudge and prod that NCR defence until, in the 61st minute, something snapped. De Vries shifted the ball wide to Vale who chipped in for Lee and Liam Schofield went through the back of him to concede a penalty. Emiliano Tade stepped up and converted down the middle to make it 2-0. Lee with the assist, Tade with the goal.
Even down by two, Rovers didn’t panic and stray from the plan. They probably understood they were likely to lose either way so maybe it was pragmatism. But they’d created sporadic chances all the way through this match by doing what they were doing and as City knocked it around patiently at the back, Rovers continued to work as a cohesive unit to win it back. Except City had no reason to hurry and they moved the ball so well.
Reid Drake got Mason involved in another diving stop. Leaford Allen did creep in to force Conor Tracey into a save to preserve his second clean sheet of the campaign. Then the Navy Blues polished their afternoon’s work with a third goal on 89’ as Rovers left themselves short at the back and Jordan Vale ran clean onto a Tade chip and smashed in confidently at the near post. Log it in the record books as a 3-0 win for Auckland City.
This win means that Auckland City end a round on top of the table for the first time in this 2022 National League. Birkenhead had edged them on goal difference in each of the first three weeks but they lost and City won so there ya go. Joseph Lee was the main man. Scored a wonderful goal and won a penalty. Thrilling to see a new name breakthrough into that vaunted City attacking group over the course of this year. Emiliano Tade was awesome as always, involved in all three goals. Thought Mario Ilich and Adam Mitchell had really solid games amongst all that too. This was Auckland City doing Auckland City things.
As a consequence Napier City suffered defeat number one of the National League. They won’t be ashamed of that, they were down a few players and on the road and up against a team with intimidating strength in depth and... well, they’re not the first to be comfortably beaten at Kiwitea Street and they won’t be the last. Surely Leaford Allen won’t have to wait much longer for his first Natty League goal while Oscar Mason was apparently sick during the week but you wouldn’t have known it from another assured goalkeeping effort belying the fact that he’s still only 18 years old. And so ends week four. Five more weeks to go.
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