Auckland’s title in extra time
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 yesterday.
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 ... I am just so proud of the girls,’’ 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 at halftime.
It wasn’t until after the final whistle 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 goalscoring opportunities on a plate.
Whitney Hepburn put the Pride 2-1 up in extra time, deflecting the ball into goal off her thigh.
However, Auckland weren’t lying down, and secured the match late when the Pride were fatigued and gave away easy ball.
The Pride, who were missing Football Ferns Aimee Philips and Meikayla Moore, were the hungrier of the two sides throughout, but lacked goal-scoring ability when it counted. An early long-range shot from midfielder Macey Fraser was unlucky not to find the net.
Out wide, Pride’s Tahlia Herman-Watt and Mel Cameron combined well, at times confusing the Auckland defence. Longo’s efforts went unrewarded for the majority of the first half as the Auckland defence stole plenty of ball from the Pride and surged forwards upfield.
Skilton and fellow forward Tayla O’Brien stood out for the visitors, creating the best opportunities on attack, and they had a goal late in the first half disallowed after the referee pulled them back, having awarded a penalty.
Skilton stepped up to take it, but had her shot tipped onto the post by Vic Esson in goal, who then gathered the ball in.
Auckland struck early in the second half, however, through forward Grace Jale, bringing the scores level at 1-1, which was where they stayed at the end of 90 minutes.
Longo said her side would be back stronger next season.
‘‘I don’t know right now, I think we will just be pretty gutted. I said to the girls we’ve just got to believe ... bloody proud of the girls, but we didn’t quite make it.’’