Auckland FC have claimed their third New Zealand derby win of the inaugural OFC Pro League season, defeating South Island United 5-2 at Eden Park.
In a dress rehearsal for their semi-final showdown in eight days time, the Aucklanders survived a second-half comeback by the South Islanders to secure their second win of the Leaders Group.
A flurry of second-half goals brightened a match that looked to be a tense stalemate in the first half. Both teams were battling for possession and creating half-chances early on, but were unable to convert.
Auckland FC had the clearer chances in the first half, including an excellent opportunity for Oscar Faulds, but were unable to find an early breakthrough. It was perhaps no surprise then that when the opening goal did arrive, it came via a rather unconventional route. Sustained pressure from Auckland FC in the final ten minutes of the half saw Luke Casserly’s men win a corner, with Emiliano Tade’s effort looping over everyone and nestling in the far corner to give his side the lead. Olympico!
The second half exploded into life. South Island United hit back through a David Yoo close-range finish, and moments later, Riley Grover’s speculative strike from distance took a wicked deflection past Eli Jones to hand the visitors a shock lead.
But Auckland FC’s response was ruthless. Refusing to let the derby slip, the Black Knights tore the visitors apart with three goals in just nine minutes to roar back in front 4-2. Aston Burns, restored to the starting XI after missing the trip to Bula FC, was the man at the heart of it – bagging a brace either side of a South Island United own goal. Isa Prins then put the seal on a memorable Eden Park afternoon with a late finish to make it 5-2.
Attention now turns to next Wednesday’s semi-final at Go Media Stadium, where Auckland FC will look to replicate this performance and book their place in the OFC Pro League decider. South Melbourne FC await the winner, with this weekend’s playoff still to determine the other semi-finalist.
OFC Player of the Match: Isa Prins
AFC Player of the Match: Mike den Heijer
