Auckland rounded off an excellent late summer surge with a comfortable three points at home to Melbourne City, thanks to goals from Logan Rogerson, Jesse Randall and Guillermo May.
After the 5-0 thumping of Wellington Pheonix in their own back yard, the Black Knights returned home to looking get one over a City side who beat them 2-1 in the reverse fixture a little over a month ago.
But that was January and this is February and Auckland FC now look a different side, the win meaning the Black Knights have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 this month.
Steve Corica named and unchanged 11, Sam Cosgrove returned to the side but remained on the bench when the teams lined up at the start.
His stay on the bench didn’t last too long. During a period of City dominance, Felipe sparing the home-side’s blushes with a goal line clearance, captain Hiroki Sakai picked up an injury and on came Cosgrove.
Auckland broke the deadlock moments later. Good work in the corner from Guillermo saw City surrender the ball to Jesse. The in-form forward passed it back to May who put in a cross that Logan effortless nodded in at the near post. The striker ghosted in for his first goal of the season and celebrated with rock-paper-scissors skit with a couple of teammates.
Half time served up and entertaining mascot race that got the crowd to their feet. They barely had a chance to sit down before Auckland’s best period of the match where they scored two and had one mysteriously chalked off.
The first was from leading A-League goal scorer Jesse Randall. A long ball by Woud brushed the head of the defender a la Josh Oluwayemi for Randall to collect and cooly finish past the City keeper. Miachel was mobbed by his defenders following the goal, a nice touch that recognised his contribution.
Less than two minutes later Auckland thought they had a third when Sam Cosgrove smashed the ball into the net from close range. The goal was chalked off, whether to spare City blushes or because Guillermo fouled the goalkeeper we’ll never really know.
Not that it mattered much. Auckland’s onslaught continued and they added a third moments when Guillermo headed in a cute Randall cross. That is now nine goals and four assist for Jesse.
Auckland were now cruising, carving Melbourne open at will and creating numerous chances that perhaps should have been converted. Late changes saw Jake Brimmer come on for man of the match Felipe Gallegos and a debut handed to Ryan Mackay. Logan also made way for Bailey Ferguson – Steve Corica giving minutes to his young squad.
Player of the Match: Felipe Gallegos
Attendance: 13,112
Next home game at Go Media: We’re back at Go Media Stadium next Sunday on another revenge mission. This time against Perth Glory. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
Favourite non-Auckland FC shirt seen in the crowd: Mexican side Club Leon’s green 25/26 home strip was spotted.
