Auckland’s first foray into the Australia Cup continues, thanks to a 3-0 win against South Melbourne.
Two goals from Jesse Randall and a third from Marlee François sealed victory, but last season’s semi-finalists are no mugs. Undefeated in their last 10 games, this was no walkover for the Black Knights, particularly in the first half.
Auckland lined up with a familiar starting 11, 4-4-2 with Woud in goal behind a back-four of de Vries, Sakai, Hall and Elliot. With Verstraete still recovering from a hip injury, Gallegos and Howieson played centrally with Rogerson and François out wide. Randall partnered with May up front.
New signing Lachlan Brook made the bench, as did 17-year-old Luka Vicelich. Luka is the son of Ivan Vicelich, the most capped All White of all time. He is no stranger to playing above his age; he made the St Peter’s First XI football team in year 9.
After 17 minutes, Jessie Randall capitalised on some flimsy defending to spin and fire into the bottom of the next from just inside the penalty area. His quick reactions broke the deadlock and saw him score his fifth goal of pre-season.
Auckland upped the tempo after the goal and began to dominate, particularly from the dead ball.
After 58 minutes, it was what that man, again, Jessie Randall, was in the right place at the right time to score Auckland’s second. Another long throw was poorly dealt with by South Melbourne. A Hall flick on found Randall unmarked at the back post for the inform striker to tap home. That’s six goals in four for Randall. They simply can’t handle the Randall.
François sealed in the 70th minute with a well struck first time shot on the edge of the area. Once again, the goal came from a long throw with South Melbourne failing to clear their lines.
It was all change after that. Steve Corica quickly worked though his five subs. Handing debuts to Vicelich and Brook and a second appearance to Ollie Middleton. Brimmer and Gillion also made it on and looked lively.
Auckland’s march in the Australia Cup continues with a quarter-final against Sydney FC, most likely on Wednesday night. Should the Black Knights defeat Sydney, then it is in the semi-final where things get interesting. A potential game against the Wellington Phoenix awaits, currently scheduled for September 14.
Player of the Match: Jesse Randall
Next game: An all A-League affair with Auckland FC taking on Sydney FC in quarter final.
