Jake Brimmer has handed Auckland a 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix in the first-ever New Zealand Derby on Saturday afternoon.
The match seemed destined for a goalless draw until a late error from Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi handed Brimmer the opportunity he needed to score.
Auckland, made history at Sky Stadium, extending their winning streak to three games feat that matches the league record for a debut team, set by Gold Coast United. However, Auckland’s performance stands out as they are now the first team in A-League history to win their opening three games without conceding a goal.
The goalless first half was filled with chances. Wellington came out strong, but Auckland found their rhythm as the game progressed.
Alex Paulsen proved pivotal early on, stopping a dangerous opportunity from Kosta Barbarouses in the 20th minute. Auckland then created chances of their own through Logan Rogerson, Cam Howieson, Liam Gillion, and Guillermo May, but Wellington’s Oluwayemi kept the score level heading into halftime.
A heavy collision early in the second half between May and Phoenix defender Scott Wootton led to a brief delay, but the game soon reignited with intensity.
As the match progressed, the record crowd at Sky Stadium witnessed Auckland’s late heroics. Brimmer’s opener in the 89th minute sparked celebrations among Auckland’s travelling fans, and his second goal minutes later sealed the 2-0 win.
Following the game, Brimmer expressed his confidence that the New Zealand Derby would soon become the biggest rivalry in the league, setting the stage for future battles between these two fierce contenders.
