Auckland deny Pride repeat title

Two goals in the final six minutes of extra time helped Auckland snatch a 3-2 victory over Canterbury United Pride in the National Women’s Football League final in stifling Christchurch heat on Sunday.

Auckland won their first title since 2009 after the scores were level 1-1 at fulltime, and Canterbury led 2-1 at the halfway point of extra time.

Striker Hannah Blake levelled the scores with six minutes

left from a cross from Britney Cunningham-lee, then the latter scored herself with 90 seconds on the clock to spark jubilant scenes among the visiting side at English Park.

A proud Auckland captain Stephanie Skilton put their victory down to team culture and the commitment to bettering themselves throughout the season.

‘‘They really worked their butts off the whole entire season, and I am really proud of how it all come together,’’ she said.

The Pride’s standout Football Fern and captain, Annalie Longo, wasn’t able to carry the Cantabs to their second title in as many years. The midfielder played a crucial role and looked dangerous every time she touched the ball, scoring first to put the hosts 1-0 up on the verge of halftime.

It wasn’t until near the end of regular time that the crowd got to see the two sides fire up and play their natural game. The Pride took it to the Aucklanders through great linking play in the midfield, and up front Longo handed her forwards several goalscoring opportunities.

Whitney Hepburn put the Pride 2-1 up in the first half of extra time, deflecting the ball into goal off her thigh.