Sunday afternoon at Go Media Stadium was again the setting as Auckland FC took on the Newcastle Jets, the opponents eventually running out 2-1 winners in a match that largely resembled a water polo competition for the entire second half.
It didn’t get off to the best of starts, with the Black Knights falling behind in the first three minutes. The Jets showing why, despite their bottom of the table position, they can be such a dangerous team going forward.
A new-look forward line saw Cam Howieson coming in up top for the injured Guillermo May. Jake Brimmer returned to the starting line-up after dislocating his shoulder against the Nix.
It was his midfield partner who stepped up with the equaliser. A de Vries cross was neatly cushioned down by Cosgrove into the path of Verstraete. The Belgian controlled it with his knee before smashing it into the roof of net. After 15 minutes it was all square.
From there Auckland began to dominate. Jesse Randall with the best of the chances. His looping shot inches wide after being put through via a beautiful Brimmer ball. Unfortunately, Auckland failed to capitalise on the momentum and were punished after 41 minutes when the Jets retook the lead. A goal firmly against the run of play.
The apocalypse had descended on Go Media Stadium by the time the second half got underway. Conditions reminiscent of Auckland’s game against the Jets this time last season.
A good save from Woud kept Auckland in it and then the rain started. And it never stopped. So waterlogged was the pitch it was clearly having an impact on the movement of the ball, the players reading of the game, and resulting in some comical moments that kept the crowd entertained. Woud’s penalty box resembled a pond. All that was missing for a family of ducks.
Auckland pushed for an equaliser, but the conditions severely limited what play, if any, was possible. A good strike from Cosgrove was well saved and Auckland suffered their first defeat of the season.
The defeat at least adds some spice to next week’s derby, the only one in Auckland this season. A win for the Nix will see them level on points with the Black Knights, currently third on eight points, in what is shaping up to be one of the most open A-League seasons in years.
A special shout out the Port. The Auckland fc die-hards sung through the entire second half, despite the atrocious conditions.
Player of the Match: Michael Woud
Attendance: 10,387
Next home game at Go Media: The big one. Our only home derby of the season takes place on Saturday, December 6. Kick-off is at 5pm. Get in early to avoid missing out. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
Favourite non-Auckland FC shirt seen in the crowd: Bournemouth third kit from the 24/25 season. A beauty.
