Auckland FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win away in Wellington after the most dramatic of derby days, which featured two red cards and a goal inside 28 seconds.
The famous victory will be long savoured by Black Knight fans, and a chance to say ‘I was there’ for 600-odd Auckland FC supporters who filled the away bays and sang for the entirety of the game.
The game exploded into life right from kick-off. A long pass over the top exposed the high line and was picked up by Jesse Randall. The young winger, in the form of his life, ran at the exposed Wellington defence before unselfishly squaring it to Sam Cosgrove to roll into an empty net.
At 28 seconds, it was the fastest goal in the A-League this season. The lead didn’t last long, the Pheonix equalising with a well-taken strike after nine minutes.
Auckland retook the lead again after 34 minutes. Again, great work by Jesse Randall exposed Wellington’s weak offside trap. The striker ran into the box and deftly lifted the ball over the keeper into the net. The goal was later credited to Sam Cosgrove; the onrushing striker was holding back the Wellington defender, and in doing so, the ball touched his thigh before ultimately ending up in the back of the net.
At 2-1, the game remained tense, the atmosphere electric. The drama dial was turned up to 11 when Dan Hall was sent off after 49 minutes, the centre back guilty of pulling down the Nix striker when through on goal. A blatant handball in the build-up made the decision feel harsh and may. On came Nando Pijnaker, the centre back returning for the first time this season after injury, and Cosgrove, the sacrifice.
At 71 minutes, it was the turn of Logan Rogerson to see red. After just 13 minutes on the pitch, the forward to adjudged guilty of a reckless, two-footed tackle. It went to VAR, but it never looked like a decision that was going to be overturned.
Auckland then played the remainder of the game, including ten minutes of added time, with nine men. It was backs against the wall with Auckland camped in their own box for most of it, but the team defended with courage and heart and managed to repel wave after wave of Wellington attack.
The exhausted players celebrated wildly once the whistle blew, and deservedly so; this was the team’s biggest test of the season, and they came through it with style.
It also adds further spice to the return game happening in Auckland on December 6. A now must-attend encounter at Go Media Stadium.
Player of the Match: Jessie Randall
Next home game at Go Media Stadium: November 23rd vs. Brisbane Roar.
This is a Sunday game but with a more family friendly kick-off time of 3pm. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
