A dominant second-half display sees Auckland win their first ever OFC Pro League game 3-0, against South Island United.
Auckland’s first goal came shortly after a barrage of opportunities, falling at the 30-minute mark courtesy of Oscar Faulds. The move developed from a corner taken by Reid Drake, which was cleared away by South Island. The ball fell to a rushing Everton O’Leary on the edge of the box, who fizzed a low ball to Oscar Faulds. Faulds’ shot was calm and calculated, as he guided the ball towards the far post, curling it around the South Island keeper.
Auckland doubled their lead in the 83rd minute. Isa Prins laid the ball off to Jonathan Robinson, who made a darting run into the left side of the box, beating his man and cutting the ball back to put it on a plate for a well-positioned Bailey Ferguson.
The action wasn’t over yet. In the 85th minute, Gillion cut a ball back for Emi Tade, who hammered a shot towards goal at close range, striking one of the South Island defenders on the arm. After a VAR check, penalty was awarded, and Tade handed the ball off to Gillion amidst roaring chants from the port to give the penalty to their home-town hero.
Gillion slotted his strike in the bottom left corner, beating the outstretched glove of South Island United’s goalkeeper. Auckland won their first ever OFC Pro League game in style, with a final score of 3-0.
Auckland looked solid for the majority of the match, finding their groove early and chipping away at South Island United with continuous chances.
The match began in a cagey fashion, with both sides maintaining fair amounts of possession and having their opportunities to take the lead. Reid Drake looked lively, winning a free kick early and applying pressure to the South Island defence. South Island had an early chance go sailing wide of the left post.
Auckland began to find their way into the game by the 15th minute. Liam Gillion had a low shot deflected wide of the right post and fired a free kick into the South Island wall.
However, Auckland were not short of action in their defensive third, with Oscar Mason having to display some brilliant sweeping ability to shut down a few South Island threats.
The second half began in the same fashion that the first half ended, with Auckland firing instantly. Gillion had a great chance after being slipped through by Reid Drake, but it was well saved.
Substitutions at the 58 minute-mark saw Isa Prins and Bailey Ferguson getting involved in the action. Both had quick starts, with Prins sending a half-volley soaring over the crossbar, soon followed by a great ball into Liam Gillion for a 1 on 1 with a defender. Gillion, however, couldn’t find a clear angle of the goal to get the shot away.
Auckland FC Player of the Match: Daniel Normann
OFC Player of the Match: Liam Gillion
Next Game: Auckland FC take on Vanuatu United in 3 days’ time on Tuesday the 20th of January, 7pm, at North Harbour Stadium. Tickets can be purchased here.
