2026 got off to a flyer with more than 16,000 packed into Go Media Stadium to see Auckland FC take on the Newcastle Jets.
This game had it all: tackles, injuries, goals, a red card, and that was just the first 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, the game didn’t go Auckland’s way, with the team struggling to break down the deep lying 10 men of the Jets and eventually losing 3-1.
The Jets took the lead in the seventh minute. A cut back from the byline was poked in by the Jets striker, who managed to ghost between the two Auckland defenders.
Fortunately, the Black Knights didn’t take too long to hit back. In 13 minutes, Auckland won a free kick on the left-hand side of the box. Everyone was expecting a cross, but Jesse Randall sprung a surprise by hitting it low and sneaking it past the Jets keeper at the near post. His fourth goal of the season.
Almost instantly, the Jets retook the lead. The away team is winning it on their left-hand side and finding the space to take a shot. Although well saved by Woud, Jets midfielder Dobson was there to pounce on the rebound and make it 2-1.
The game was then dealt a new twist. The Jets were reduced to 10 men. Cooper received a second yellow card for a foul on Cosgrove.
The game now fell into a somewhat repetitive pattern. Auckland is pushing forward to make the extra man count; the Jets are resolutely defending for their lives. Auckland created chances, but nothing clear-cut.
Hiroki Saki was introduced at the break, with Callan Elliot the player making way. Hiroki is collecting the captain’s armband from Francis de Vries.
Auckland continued to press and dominate the ball. With no breakthrough, Corica turned to his bench, introducing Howieson, Rogerson and Bidois for Brook, Randall and Gallegos.
The second half lacked the drama of the first, not helped by the Jets doing their best to slow down the game as much as possible.
The Jets then scored a sucker punch right at the end. With goalkeeper Michel Woud thrown up to support an Auckland corner, the Jets managed to break and Rose score his second into an empty net.
Player of the Match: Hiroki Sakai
Attendance: 16,156
Next Game: The team travel away to play Macarthur FC on Monday night. The game kicks-off at 9pm NZ time.
Next home game at Go Media Stadium: Fans will have to wait until Saturday, January 24 for the visit of Central Coast Mariners. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
Favourite non-Auckland FC shirt spotted in the crowd: F.C. Halifax Town, currently eighth in the National League.
