Two goals in two minutes at the end of the first half gave Auckland FC the win on a blustery afternoon away at Western United.
The first half look destined to end goalless until Guillermo May struck with his fifth goal of season after 45 minutes. As seems to be the way with May, this was another spectacular long-range effort, finding the bottom right corner from at least 30 yards out.
The admin barely had time to update his social channels when Auckland scored again. This time Moreno chased down a ball over the top, pressed the opposition defence to win the ball and then slid it across for Mata to score from six yards out.
Auckland came into this game making just one change, Felipe Gallegos replacing Louis Verstraete, who missed the game through suspension. Nando Pijnaker was a doubt before the game but returned in time having rolled his ankle in the Black Knights’ last game against Macarthur.
The wind also deserves a mention. Playing into it, Alex Paulsen’s goal kicks were barely making it past the half-way line. Playing with it in the second half, every goal kick looked like it had the potential to threaten the Western United goal and embarrass its protectors.
With 20 minutes to go Head Coach Steve Corica decided to spice things up with a triple change. Moreno, Brimmer and Mata were replaced by Howieson, Randall and January window addition, François.
Auckland didn’t have it all their own way. Western United dominated possession and continued to look dangerous for much of the second half, but in a similar situation to the first, they just couldn’t make it count and time and time again Auckland proved why they have the best defensive record in the league.
Logan Rogerson was then replaced by Callan Elliot. Adama Coulibaly replaced Pijnaker with moments remaining and this time seeing the game out.
Auckland go into next Saturday’s home derby five points clear at the top
Player of the Match: Guillermo May
Next game: The Derby. Saturday, February 22 against a Wellington based team. Tickets for that and all Auckland games can be bought here.
