Auckland FC completed a clean sweep of the New Zealand derbies this season, dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0 in a ruthless display at Sky Stadium.
Jesse Randall scored two goals to take him to equal the top of the golden boot race, while Guillermo May, Lachlan Brook and a Joshua Oluwayemi own goal (sort of) were the other names on the scorers sheet.
Head coach Steve Corica named a reshuffled starting XI, with Louis Verstraete, Nando Pijnaker, and Marlee François sidelined through injury, and Sam Cosgrove serving a one-match suspension.
Guillermo May was handed the start ahead of Lachlan Brook – a decision that paid immediate dividends. A derby atmosphere was growing, but all the air was taken out of the stadium in the space of six minutes.
On the 24-minute mark, Auckland FC defender Jake Girdwood-Reich sent the ball forward 25m out from his own goal. He had no intention of putting the ball in the back of the net, but his long, sky high clearance had enough on it to fool Oluwayemi, who was outside his box and attempted to head it forward, but only managed to get a slight touch before the ball bounced into the empty net. Oluwayemi was credited with an own goal, denying Girdwood-Reich the longest goal in A-League history.
Just five minutes later, Auckland doubled their advantage. Jesse Randall cut in from the left and curled a superb finish beyond Oluwayemi at the far post to make it 2–0.
The South American connection produced the third goal in the 40th minute, as Chilean midfielder Felipe Gallegos drove to the by-line and cut the ball back perfectly for Uruguayan forward Guillermo May, who powered home from the penalty spot.
Randall struck again on the stroke of half-time, latching onto May’s defence-splitting pass before delicately chipping the on-rushing goalkeeper to send Auckland into the break 4–0 up.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano responded at half-time, replacing Oluwayemi with Alby Kelly-Heald in goal, but the damage had already been done. Lachlan Brook entered the contest in the 71st minute and wasted little time making his mark, firing home Auckland’s fifth just three minutes later to cap off a dominant night.
Michael Woud was called upon to make his first save in the 90th minute, which about summed up the day for the Phoenix.
Player of the Match: Dan Hall
Next home game at Go Media: Auckland FC return home this Saturday, 28th February, 5pm to Go Media Stadium ahead of reigning champions Melbourne City. Get your tickets here.
