An early double and second-half goal from Auckland FC sealed a 3-1 over Vanuatu United.
A first-ever professional goal for Luke Vicelich, followed up by an Emi Tade penalty allowed Auckland to hit the ground running. Vanuatu had their get-back in the 51st minute, before Matt Ellis delivered the finishing blow.
There were slick and windy conditions at North Harbour Stadium, as it was shaping up to be a wild contest. After it had bucketed down earlier, the 3pm fixture between South Island and Bula FC was called off due to the water-logged pitch. Thankfully, the ground staff did a wonderful job in preparing it for Auckland’s 7pm kick-off.
Auckland were threatening early, winning a throw in the 7th minute. Ronan Wynne launched an incredible long throw, which looped all the way into the centre of the penalty area. The ball found the head of a leaping Vicelich, who bounded it arching high and goalwards. Vanuatu couldn’t reach the shot in time, as the 17-year-old put Auckland up 1-0 with his first professional goal.
Not even ten minutes later, Emi Tade was brought down on the brink of the area, sending the Auckland players into a raucous appeal for a penalty. Play continued, and in the 19th minute VAR brought the game to a halt to check the potential infringement.
After much deliberation, Auckland were awarded a spot-kick. Up stepped Emi Tade, and after handing over penalty taking duties to Liam Gillion on Saturday night, he set up to claim his stake. Tade blasted the ball low and towards the centre of the goal, beating the Vanuatu keeper whilst doubling Auckland’s lead.
Some brilliant saves from Blake Callinan saw Auckland maintain their clean sheet at the half.
Early after the restart, Vanuatu managed to get a goal back, making the score 2-1 to Auckland. Carey managed to intercept the initial pass towards the box, before Vanuatu reclaimed possession and had a stab at goal. The shot deflected off the Vanuatu striker, and the ball crept past a scrambling Callinan.
The game remained relatively calm until the 69th minute, when Isa Prins flicked a wonderful ball to play Matt Ellis through. Ellis made an elegant run towards the edge of the area and fired a composed finish into the bottom left corner to make the score 3-1 to Auckland. Probably the best goal of the night.
Vicelich picked up the first yellow card for Auckland in the 84th minute, but a brilliant performance saw him earn Player of the Match.
The remainder of the game was an stalemate, resulting a fulltime score of Auckland FC 3-1 Vanuatu United.
Auckland FC Player of the Match: Luka Vicelich
OFC Player of the Match: Luka Vicelich
Next Game: Auckland FC take on Bula FC in 3 days’ time on Friday the 23rd of January, 7pm, at North Harbour Stadium. Tickets can be purchased here.
