Auckland turned the page on a difficult January with a 1-0 win at home against Sydney FC.
It was arguably the team’s best home display in a while, with a string of positive performances across the pitch, most notably from goalkeeper Michael Woud, who pulled off a string of saves to walk away with a clean sheet and the player of the match award.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the Black Knights, they missed a string of opportunities to put the game to bed, resulting in a nervy finish and a sense of déjà vu.
But the team prevailed and ran out worthy winners, leapfrogging Sydney and going back to the top of the A-League table.
Despite being Auckland’s third home game in a row to fall on a public holiday, the fans were out in force with more than 13,000 enjoying the sunshine at Go Media Stadium.
Black Knights once again lived up to their reputation providing the league’s best entertainment – with the slide making a welcome return after suffering a deflating puncture wound and All White’s legend Rory Fallon judging a sandcastle competition.
Auckland dominated the opening 20 minutes and were soon rewarded with a goal. A de Vries cross was met by the head of Sakai and lurking at the back was Cosgrove to poke it in for his seventh of the season.
Sydney soon fashioned a chance of their own and it required a big save from Woud to keep the score at 1-0. The classy save was loudly cheered by home fans.
Woud returned to the side following an injury last week to Oli Sail. Nando Pijnaker was also absent, Girdwood-Reich taking his place at centre back. Elsewhere, Marlee François came in on the right in place of Guillermo May.
May didn’t have to wait long to get his chance, after 41 minutes he replaced playmaker Lachie Brook. The number 77 had picked up a knock earlier in the match and left the pitch holding his lower back.
Despite the lack of goals, the second half was entertaining affair, both teams having a string of chances that required the intervention of either the post or a classy save from the keeper.
Auckland held on for the win and will look for a repeat performance in Sydney in 10 days’ time.
Player of the Match: Michael Woud
Attendance: 13,050
Next home game at Go Media: Fan will have to wait until the end of the month when we face Melbourne City on February 28 at 5pm. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
Favourite non-Auckland FC shirt seen in the crowd: A tough call today, with many great shirts spotted. But the green and white stripes of Sporting Lisbon featuring Ronaldo on the back came out on top.
