More than 10,000 fans defied the dire weather warning to see Auckland twice come from behind to draw 2-2, thanks to goals in either half from Sam Cosgrove and Lachie Brook.
The game had it all; tension, drama, great goals and controversy , as yet again there was little to separate these two sides.
Illness to Jake Girdwood-Reich meant 17-year-old Luka Vicelich was handed his home debut. Joining him on home debut was Jimmy Hilton, the summer signing filling in between the sticks for the injured Michael Woud.
The Black Knights lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Callan and Hiroki are pushing up to join the attack spearheaded by the current golden boot leader, Sam Cosgrove.
Unfortunately, it was Victory who scored first. A clever backheel led to a break and space for Victory to attack down their left side. A low, hard shot by Lino beat Jimmy at his far post, and it was 1-0. Victory.
Things got worse for Auckland 10 minutes later. Nando Pijnaker clashed in the air and came down clutching his shoulder. The defender was slowly led off the field in obvious pain and was replaced by Logan Rogerson.
Despite the setback Auckland rallied, winning possession and looking more composed in the final third.
Right on the stroke of half-time, Auckland got the equaliser their pressure deserved. A long throw into the box came off the chest of a defender. Falling at the feet of Sam, the striker then spun and snapped a shot through a mix of bodies and into the bottom corner.
If the first half ended on a high note, the start of the second half started with a low. Luka slipped after receiving a pass across the back from Dan Hall, and there was Velupillay to sneak in and lift the ball over the onrushing Hilton and into the back of the net. 2-1 Victory.
Much like the first half, the goal seemed to rouse something in Auckland, the team determined to fight back and preserve their place in the top two. This fighting spirit was perhaps best exemplified by Van Fitzharris. Called up from the reserves, the former Tauranga City player replaced Jessie Randall in the 60th minute. His touch, forward running, and willingness to take on his man all endear him to the crowd.
The remainder of the game was played much in Melbourne’s half, and in the 82nd minute, Auckland got a free kick on the edge of the area. There was only one man who was ever going to take it. Up stepped Lachie Brook. With the Port in front of him and the crowd on its feet, he smashed the ball at goal. The ‘keeper got a good hand to it, but it wasn’t enough to keep the rocket of a shot out of the net. Lachie Brook; he only scores bangers.
For the final eight minutes plus stoppage time, it was all Auckland; the game picked up an intensity with the team and the crowd doing their best to almost will the ball into the net.
The game wrapped up, but not before head coach Steve Corica received a red card for dissent on 87 minutes.
A draw means Auckland remain in second with just two home games remaining, the first of these next Sunday at home to Central Coast Mariners.
Attendance: 10,077
Player of the Match: Van Fitzharris
Best non-Auckland FC shirt spotted in the Crowd: The new off-white Spain away jersey – currently the pick of the bunch from all the World Cup kits so far released
Next home game at Go Media: We return to Go Media Stadium next Sunday for our final home game of the regular season. At 3pm we face off against Central Coast Mariners; we’ll also be allowing fans on the field after full time. Buy tickets for that game here.
