Auckland FC played out a frantic, physical away clash against Adelaide, with the contest ultimately finishing all square thanks to memorable finish from Felipe Gallegos.
An unfamiliar Auckland FC line-up took the field at Coopers Stadium against Adelaide on Good Friday, with Jake Girdwood-Reich stepping in at left back for the absent All White, Francis de Vries, while the returning Nando Pijnaker took centre back.
If that was perhaps expected, the surprise for Black Knights fans was seeing Jimmy Hilton on debut in goal, filling in for Michael Woud, who picked up an injury in the warmup.
Returning to the starting XI were Lachie Brook and Louis Verstraete. Sam Cosgrove captained the team for the first time.
Adelaide took the lead in the 24th minute. The reds won the ball on the half-way line and after the initial strike was blocked a follow up low and hard from outside the area was dispatched into the net.
The remainer of the half was largely uneventful but that all changed three minutes into the second half.
Auckland equalised thanks to the sweetest volley you’ve ever seen courtesy of Felipe Gallegos. His first of the season came from a Callan Elliot cross from the right. A great team goal that will be up there when goal of the season nominations come round.
The Chilean then nearly scored a second moments later but was denied by the keeper
The remainder of the half was played at a frantic pace, both teams desperate for the win and dominating for periods. Auckland getting stuck in and picking up nine yellow cards in the process; the Black Knights are perhaps lucky to keep 11 men on the pitch.
The commentators described it as a slug fest, and after 10 minutes of added time this combative encounter was all over, with the points shared. Auckland now trailing the Jets by three points with three games to go.
Player of the Match: Felipe Gallegos.
Next home game at Go Media: We return to Go Media Stadium on Saturday for our favoured Saturday, 5pm kick-off against Melbourne Victory. This is one of just two home games left for the season so get your tickets for this and all Auckland FC games here.
