A record-breaking 26,253 packed into Go Media Stadium in the Saturday afternoon sunshine and were richly rewarded, with a 2-1 Auckland win and an excellent display from a team now five points clear at the top of the A-League and still undefeated after six games.
The Black Knights started brightly, playing some lovely one-touch football down the left-hand side. Johnny Warren Medal winner Jake Brimmer was at the heart of it all and the team largely restricted their Wellington opponents to a few unsuccessful forays into the Auckland half.
An early knock to Louis Verstraete in the 21st minute led to his substitution, with Cameron Howieson on to replace him. There was more worry moments later when Alex Paulsen was twice challenged in quick succession and play needed to be stopped. It was clear the Wellington-based team had singled him out for some rough treatment.
Playing 4-2-3-1, Auckland were able to keep applying pressure to their opponents, keen to force them into errors and after thirty minutes it happened.
In a goal reminiscent of the team’s very first against the Brisbane Roar, Brimmer played in captain Hiroki Sakai down the right. Sakai then crossed it in only for Phoenix defender Hughes to inexplicably head it into his own net under pressure from Gillion. One-nil Auckland.
Auckland continued to try for a second, a shot from Gallegos was saved at the near post and another was blocked after some nice work by May through the centre. The chances kept coming, Brimmer tried one from range and another was headed clear after a shot from May.
With the end of the half approaching, it was finally Auckland’s turn to do some defending. Sakai read the game well to cut out a dangerous ball into the box and Paulsen punched a cross clear with the last touch of the half.
Auckland were on top for much of the second half. This time attacking a packed-out south stand, full of fans from supporter group The Port. Rapturous and in full noise.
At 69 minutes a stop in play saw Tommy Smith replace Jake Brimmer and from the resulting free-kick it was 2-0 Auckland. Nando Pijnaker getting his head on the end of whipping Hiroki Sakai’s cross. This was the goal that the team had craved. Scoring it led to passionate celebrations from players, staff and fans.
After 81 minutes and more than 500 minutes of football (another record), Auckland conceded their first-ever goal. Wellington broke through the defence and Barbarouses fired past Paulsen.
Wellington then had their best spell of the game they had largely let pass them by, but it wasn’t enough, and after 96 minutes the full-time whistle blew.
The fans remained in full voice throughout the second half, and almost the whole stadium was cloaked in the blue and black of Auckland FC, enjoying what the team had to offer. A special mention goes to those families sitting on picnic blankets and enjoying the sunshine of the North Bank. Proof that you really can beat Wellington on a good day.
Auckland now travel to Australia for a clash against Melbourne Victory next Sunday, before returning to Go Media to play Western United on December 21.
Sticking around Auckland for Christmas? Gift a two-game pass!
