Team Wellington

Auckland City

0

1

Matt Williams 40th min

by David Cross / www.nzfc.co.nzhttp://www.nzfc.co.nz/

Auckland win ends Wellington 'jinx'

Auckland City ended its run of horror results against Team Wellington thanks to a Matt Williams in blustery conditions at Newtown Park this afternoon. 

A crowd of around 800 came looking for an entree before tonight’s main meal and proceedings got off to a fiery start with Team Wellington midfielder Chris Bale perhaps setting an NZFC record when he earned a yellow card within 10 seconds of the opening whistle following a clash with Jason Hayne.

The first 15 minutes were perhaps a little quiet as the sides jousted cautiously with the best chance a Michael Winsauer header from a Chris Davies set piece that was well saved by Auckland City goalkeeper of the week Jason Spoonley. 

This was followed within a minute by another Wellington chance with Spoonley again called in to action to save at the feet of a breaking Jamie Duncan as the game woke up and found a hectic pace. 

The 34th minute saw Team Wellington's Roddy Brown break through two Auckland tackles but his hot from distance was again well taken by Spoonley with a header from the resulting corner tipped on to the crossbar by Spoonley.

The deadlock was broken in the 40th minute as Matt Williams found the ball at his feet around six yards out with Jake Gleeson advancing.  Williams coolly slotted under Gleeson who was still trying to work out how his defence had left him so exposed.

Team Wellington engineered a couple of half chances before the half time whistle but lacked a killer touch in front of goal.

The second half opened short of genuine chances, despite plenty of endeavour from both teams. As the Auckland City fans did their level best to run out of voice before the big game, the only chance of note fell to Cole Peverley who headed over from six yards out.

Team Wellington continued to look to attack but still struggled, while Koprivcic proved handful for the Team Wellington defence.  The arrival of substitute Grant Young provided the game with more impetus as his clever runs and touches started creating space for Auckland city and it needed all of Jamie Duncan's pace to chase Young in to the area and take the ball of Young’s feet in the 78th minute.

Wellington did not create enough of chances to take the win from a hard working Auckland City side as supporters from both camps began the exodus to the other end of the city for the New Zealand v Bahrain FIFA World Cup Qualifying showdown at Westpac Stadium.

Team Wellington coach Stu Jacobs was understandably despairing at the result, his team’s second loss in a row and second loss at home.
“We're just lacking something in front of goal. This performance was certainly more heartening than the opener with YoungHeart Manawatu - but it's still not quite there is it?,” Jacobs said.

Team Wellington striker Roddy Brown was more succinct describing it in one word: "Rubbish."

Team Wellington

V

Auckland City 

24- Jake Gleeson (GK)

1. Jacob Spoonley

3. Jamie Duncan

3. Ian Hogg

4. Chris Bale

4. Sam Campbell

5. Michael Winsauer

5. Matt Williams

6. chris Davies

6. Ki-Hyung Lee

7. Cole Peverley

7. James Pritchett

9. Greg Draper

8. Chad Coombes

14. Darren Cheriton

11. Daniel Koprivcic

18. Trent Watson

16. Jason Hayne

22. Michael Fifii

17. Adam McGeorge

26. Roddy Brown

20. Greg Uhlmann

Substitutes

Substitutes

11. Jyler Noviello

10. Grant Young

17. Garry McDermott

Paul Urlovic

Bryan Little

14.Keryn Jordan

23. James McPeake

18. Paul Gothard (GK)

20. Richard McLay

23. Ricardo Monardez

=goal

=yellow card

=2 yellow cards

= red card

0 mins - Technology - isn't it wonderful?! Delayed coverage - apologies, folks!

40 mins - Matt Williams scores for Auckland

65 mins Adam Dickinson replaces Chad Coombes

70 mins Garry McDermott on for Cole Peverley

76 mins - Spoonley makes a great save to keep City's lead safe

78 mins - Jamie Duncan tackles Grant Young at a crucial moment

79 mins - Auckland waste a corner and a good chance to go 2-0 in front

80 mins - All City currently with only sporadic breaks for Team Wellington.  Still short of genuine chances from both teams

81 mins - Bryan Little on for Michael Fiifi

85 mins - Paul Urlovic on for Daniel Koprivcic

87 mins - Team Wellington are making a late charge here but City are holding on tightly - could this be the end of their three match hoodoo against the 'Capital men'?!

89 mins - Adam Dickinson breaks through with options either side of him but he can't add a crucial second for Auckland City!

90 mins - Matt Conger brings the match to an end and it finishes 1-0 to Auckland City - the three match winning streak over Auckland by Team Wellington comes to an end!

90 mins - 'One Shot for Glory' - New Zealand v. Bahrain - check local listings for broadcast details as the 'All Whites' attempt to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa