City continue perfect run
Auckland City’s chances of completing a perfect regular season in the national men’s football league increased over the weekend, as they dispatched one of the three major threats remaining.
After Saturday’s 3-2 win over secondplaced Eastern Suburbs at their Kiwitea St home, they have now won 12 matches out of 12 this season, opening up an eight-point lead at the top of the table.
City began with a hiss and a roar that they have lacked at times this season, pressing Suburbs relentlessly and not allowing them to settle.
They took the lead in the 14th minute, when Lea’alafa pounced on an underhit backpass from centre back Kelvin Kalua, then doubled it in the 23rd, when Brian Kaltak fired a free kick on the edge of the area past Suburbs goalkeeper Andrew Withers.
Suburbs were barely in the game in the first half, and when Lea’alafa scored City’s third shortly after the break, the result looked assured.
To their credit, the visitors kept persevering, getting on the board when Callum McCowatt headed home a Michael Built cross in the 54th minute, then pulling within one 10 minutes later, when Dom Wooldridge finished off a nice passing move.
They couldn’t find an equaliser, however, and with the minor premiership now out of reach, their focus will turn to keeping Canterbury and Team Wellington – who sit four and six points behind them – at bay in the battle for a home semifinal.
Team Wellington will be looking to play their way back into some form after their Club World Cup hangover continued at Forsyth Barr Stadium. They were held to a 0-0 draw with Southern United in a game of few chances.
Team Wellington’s stumble allowed Canterbury to jump ahead of them on the ladder, after Stephen Hoyle scored a brace to give the Dragons a tight 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix reserves at English Park.
Gavin Hoy scored a dramatic late equaliser as Hawke’s Bay United salvaged a point in a high-scoring 4-4 draw with Hamilton Wanderers at Porritt Stadium.
Johnathan Mannes punched away a Cory Chettleburgh cross in the 89th minute but only as far as substitute Hoy, who was waiting on the edge of the 18 yard box.
Unmarked, Hoy had time to pick his spot and whip the ball over the head of Mannes to bring the score level.
Five goals were scored in a frantic opening 15 minute spell, with Hawke’s Bay going into the sheds with a 3-2 advantage.
Martin Bueno looked to have won the game for Wanderers when he scored from a 77th minute freekick. However, it was Hoy who had the final say.
Tasman United continued their resurgence by beating Waitakere United 3-1 at Trafalgar Park.