Goals in either half from Nando Pijnaker and Hiroki Sakai secured a 2-0 win for Auckland in the heat at Brisbane. Victory ensures Auckland remain top of the Isuzu Ute A-League and clear of the chasing pack with a seven-point lead.
It was all change for Auckland FC on their away trip to Brisbane, with four players coming in after the 2-2 home draw with Adelaide.
Verstraete, Mata and François were all named in the starting line-up. Pijnaker returned from suspension to partner Hall at centre back. The defence change meant the Black Knights started with the same back four they opened the season with, coincidently a game where they faced off against today’s opponents. Moreno didn’t travel after picking up a knock in training.
The first half was cagey, Brisbane initially edging it and looking more threatening with several forward flourishes but as is so often with Auckland, they dug deep and with the half about to end, scored. Dan Hall pushed a ball forward into the path of Verstraete. His wicked cross from the right was then met with a powerful header by Nando Pijnaker, his fourth of the season. The two players who missed the last game through suspension combining to make a moment of magic and ensure Auckland made it to half time the happier side.
Cam Howieson replaced Max Mata at half time, a straight swap upfront. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Brisbane venturing forward and dominating possession but unable to do much with it when confronted with Alex Paulsen in the Auckland goal.
And just like the first half, Auckland scored against the run of play. Howieson flicked the ball on to Rogerson who charged forward. He cleverly turned his man inside the box and laid in on a plate to the onrushing Sakai to slam it home. A lengthy VAR review somewhat stymied the initial celebrations but once given, Sakai celebrated like a man still in the early days of his career.
A win means Auckland remain ten games unbeaten, but it will be a clean sheet that will please head coach Steve Corica most. A composed, professional display in the heat means Auckland inch closer to the Premiers Plate with just five games left of the regular season.
Auckland return to the city of sails for an encounter next Saturday against Western Sydney Wanderers. The fifth-place team are on something of run themselves, unbeaten in seven games, they last tasted defeat when beaten by Auckland back in January. They’ll be out for revenge, so expect another barn-stormer at Go Media.
Player of the Match: Alex Paulsen
Next game at Go Media: Saturday April 5, 5pm, home to Western Sydney Wanderers. Tickets for that game can be bought here.
