Auckland FC played out a third successive draw on a Sunday afternoon in the sunshine at Go Media, with goals in either half from Guillermo May and Callan Elliot.
But this game was all about the return of Dan Hall. The central defender is making his much-anticipated comeback after missing the bulk of the season through injury. The timing was perfect, not just because he would be up against his former club, but with both Nando Pijnaker and Louis Verstraete absent his experience was essential.
Auckland dominated the early exchanges and ten minutes in were ahead. The forwards combined when Jesse Randall stood up a teasing cross for May to ghost through the Mariner’s defence and head in from close range. 1-0 Auckland thanks to Guillermo May’s eighth goal of the season.
The game then settled down with Auckland mounting numerous attacks down the Mariners’ right side with de Vries and May proving a tricky combination.
Mariners started to venture forward towards the end of the half but a combination of poor finishing and an acrobatic save from Alex Paulsen ensured the Black Knights went in with the lead at half time.
The second half was a much more even contest but with neither side looking too threatening. That all changed in the 72nd minute when Central Coast equalised with a goal that was similar to Auckland’s first.
Before the goal, Head Coach Steve Corica had Elliot ready to come on in place of Brimmer. Despite conceding he stuck with his change, and it was a decision that proved to be the right one, as moments later Elliot blasted home a half-volley at the near post. Captain Sakai claimed the assist after heading down a de Vries freekick.
With minutes remaining Auckland FC were looking to close out the game and seal the win. It wasn’t to be. In the 90th minute Central Coast scored a scrappy equaliser meaning it finished all square. Auckland remain seven points clear at the top of the A-League ladder with just six games of the regular season remaining.
Player of the Match: Dan Hall
Next game: The A-League now takes a backseat for the return of international football, with potentially two World Cup qualifier games for the All Whites, including one at Eden Park. The Black Knights then return to action with an away game against the Brisbane Roar on March 30.
Next home game at Go Media: April 5. Western Sydney Wanderers Tickets for that game can be bought here.
Attendance: 14,040
Favourite non-Auckland FC shirt spotted in the crowd: Boca Juniors with Tevez on the back.
