Canterbury United

Auckland City

1

2

Aaron Clapham (pen) 12'
          

Stu Kelly 22'
Daniel Koprivcic 36'

by John Donnachie at Linfield Park
asbpremiership.co.nz

Auckland City underlined their play-off credentials with a commanding victory in Christchurch today.

The Aucklanders looked every bit the city slickers, condemning Canterbury United to their third successive defeat.

The sun-drenched crowd at Linfield Park, were treated to a great first half as both sides opted for an all out attacking approach. The visitors threatened to overrun Canterbury in the opening stages,  but it was the Dragons' who got of to the best possible start.

Striker Russell Kamo was brought down in the box on 11 minutes, and Aaron Clapham was on hand to convert his second spot-kick of the season with a decisive finish, wrong-footing city keeper Jacob Spoonley.

Auckland though, continued to throw men forward, full-back Ian Hogg was a constant threat with his darting runs down the flank, while All White midfielder David Mulligan and Spanish import, striker Manuel Esposito, kept the Dragons' rearguard on their toes.

Inevitably, the pressure paid off, and Auckland were level. Mulligan picked out Angel Berlanga with a precise free-kick inside the six yard box, Berlanga's goal-bound touch caused a goalmouth scramble, which finished with former Dragons' favourite Stu Kelly poking the ball home.

Canterbury quickly got over this setback, and almost went in front again when the busy Clapham combined with Andrew Barton, but Spoonley foiled Clapham with a brave save at the midfielder's feet.

However, the Dragons' hopes were dashed by a crazy five minute spell just before the interval.

First, Auckland front-man Daniel Koprivcic showed great awareness and control, turning inside the box before firing a crisp shot home from 15 yards out- inside Canterbury keeper Tom Batty's far post.

Next, and worse still, Dragons' midfielder Joe Murray saw red for the second time this season after he clattered into City fullback Ian Hogg who was bearing in on goal. It was Murray's second bookable offence inside just two minutes.

As in previous weeks, following red-card dismissals, Canterbury were never able to recover. Auckland themselves were reduced to ten men just after the interval, when the impressive Manuel Esposito was sent packing for a second bookable offence, after handling the ball while he was in the opposition box.

Afterward United coach Keith Braithwaite, expressed his disappointment, at his side's indiscipline after being reduced to ten men, during a critical stage in the match.
But he made no excuses, instead he offered warm praise towards the victorious Aucklanders.

“We have no complaints with the decision (Murray's sending-off). Again today we were forced to change the formation.

"I still believe we can make the play-offs, fourth position  is what we will aim for now. Every game is huge now, but our destiny is still in our own hands.

'You can't argue with that today, Auckland are a good side. I thought they moved the ball well and they were very composed. That's the best I've seen them play. I think they are better side than what they were last season.”

Auckland co-coach Ramon Tribulietx, was not only delighted with the three points, but with also the style of the win.

“To have two weeks break, and then come down to play like that in Canterbury, is very satisfying.

"The way we played I felt we dominated throughout. We kept possession well even after going down to ten men, and I don't think they caused us any danger in the second half.”

Certainly, on the evidence of the first half, the Aucklanders are a very capable outfit. They already look genuine play-off contenders and on this performance, they could be the team to challenge runaway ASB Premiership leaders, champions Waitakere United.

The visitors had stand-outs all over the field. Left back Ian Hogg was industrious, while David Mulligan and James Pritchett controlled the midfield. Upfront the movement of goalscorer Daniel Koprivcic and Manuel Esposito, posed a constant menace to the Canterbury defence.

For the Dragons', young academy player Andrew Barton was always willing, as was the effervescent Aaron Clapham who never gave up.

Canterbury United

V

Auckland City

1. Tom Batty (GK)

1. Jacob Spoonley (GK)

2. Dan Terris (c)

2. Angel Berlanga

3. Nick Wortelboer

3. Ian Hogg

4. Gareth Rowe

6. Stuart Kelly

5. Tom Schwarz

7. James Pritchett

7. Aaron Clapham

8. David Mulligan (Thomas 63')

9. Russell Kamo (Tippert 76')

9. Manuel Exposito

11. Ryan Faichnie

11. Daniel Koprivcic  (Morgan 85')

14. Joe Murray

13. Alex Feneridis

23. Andrew Barton (McDermott 46')

14. Adam Dickinson (Milne 73')

25. Andy Pitman (Collins 61')

15. Ivan Vicelich (c)

Substitutes

Substitutes

6. Glen Collins (in 61')

12. Patrick George (RGK)

13. Garry McDermott (in 46')

4. Sam Campbell

17. Ryan Tippett (in 76')

19. Daniel Morgan (in 85')

19. Jeremy Wild

23. Andrew Milne (in 73')

22. Coey Turipa (RGK)

22. Adam Thomas (in 63')

=goal

=yellow card

=2 yellow cards

= red card

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to Linfield Park in Christchurch. The weather conditions are fine with clear skies and a temperature around 20 degrees. This game promises to be an intriguing match-up, with the race for the play-off spots heating up. Canterbury will especially be keen to get the year off to a winning start. After a promising start to the season, the Dragons'have lost their way of late. The visitors Auckland meanwhile will be confident after posting successive wins before the festive break. They have since moved into the top three of the league and now look certain play-off contenders. Canterbury welcome back skipper Dan Terris and stalwart Andy Pitman. Auckland will be without hatrick hero Adam McGeorge  from their last outing- who is suspended.

 Match line-ups to follow. Almost underway, glorious day here in Canterbury as both teams going through final preparations.

3"

Alex Fenerdis brings a save out of Canty Keeper Tom Batty from 15 yards out.

4'

The visitors looking lively at the start..dangerous cross from Hogg causes problems in home defence.

5'

Hogg races into Canty box and shoots towards goal, Batty collects  easily at second attempt

7'

It's all Auckland Prichett goes down 20 yards out but no foul. Then Exposito trys a shot from edge of the box-just over the bar

9'

Free-kick Canty 25 yards out but Claqpham hits wall and is cleared

10'

PENALTY Canty Kamo goes down inside the box. Clapham scores with well taken penalty wrong-footing Spoonley

'13'

Canty goal under siege immeadiately, Exposito brings save out of Batty  at near post

15'

Auckland behind but Kelly and Esposito exchange passes but Canty clear danger

17'

Auckland playing neat football through the midfield but Canty coping for the moment

19'

Freekick Auckland, 25 yards out Mulligan's freekick blocked-Hogg fires over

21' 

Another freekick Auckland

22'

GOAL Well worked freekick Mulligan picks out Berlanga inside six yard box -Goalmouth scramble and Kelly gets final touch

24'

Clapham almost plays in Kamo

26'

Esposito again threatens for visitors but is just off target

28'

Corner Auck. comes to nothing

30'

Hogg causing problems again for home defence.. good run and cross but Batty gathers

32'

Canty trying to impose themselves in the midfield but Auckland seem in control

Great Clapham pass picks out Barton who then crosses Clapham  gets return inside the box Spoonley gets down bravely at his feet and saves

36'

GOAL Koprivcic scores for Auckland good control and turn 15 yards out and shoots past Batty inside far post.

39'

more drama here.. Murray is booked and then SENT OFF within 2 minutes He walks following a challenge on Ian Hogg who was running towards the Canty Box

42'

Fenerdis shot deflected over the top. Corner saved by Batty

44'

Esposito booked for rash challenge on Canty's wing man Andrew Barton

45'

It's Half Time here at Linfield Park what a half that was.. More red card strife for Dragons' Still awaiting confirmation of Aucklanders first goal.

Underway in the second half. Garry McDermott on for Ryan Faichnie

47'

Esposito is sensationally SENT OFF after foul for handball while he was attacking in Canty box he then is sent packing after recieving yellow card in first half.

49'

Canty looking to get back on level terms but it is Auckland who are attacking.

52'

Aucks Fenerdis Booked for holding onto Andy Pitman's shirt

54'

Barton does well crosses but Spoonley saves.

56' 

Auckland on attack but Canty holding firm

58

Canty subsitution  Collins for Pitman

61'

Mulligan is replaced by Andrew Milne  for Auckland

64'

Canty looking lively

66'

Hogg chases in goal puts Batty under pressure

68'

Subsitution Auck's Dickinson makes way for Adam Thomas

72'

Auckland defending comfortably  as Canty chase equaliser- Kamo is caught offside

74'

Frustration creeping into Canty players.

76'

Subsitution Tippett replaces Canty striker Russell Kamo

78'

Pritchett crosses but danger cleared

80'

Corner Canty but Clapham's outswinger is cleared

82'

Alot of slack passing from both sides

83'

Disappointing second half really, after drama filled first half

85'

Clapham overhits freekick ball runs out of play. Meanwhile, Kovpricic replaced by Daniel Morgan for Auckland

86'

Barton almost hits target gets underneath the ball too much and fires over from edge of box- just about sums up Canty's day

88'

Corner Auck, Batty plucks out of the air easy.

89'

Barton again tries his luck but unable to keep ball down from 25 yards out. Tippett forces Spoonley to clear awkwardly. Lots of urgency from Canty now

3 minutes added on time

91'

Aucks on attack deep in Canty half. They have a corner but no one up in box

93'

FULL TIME It's all over Auckland run out 2-1 victors