Auckland United have won the boy’s Youth National League title after beating Tauranga City 3:2 in a tight final at NZCIS in Wellington. 

Tauranga City opened the scoring through Thomas Page in the 11th minute and held the lead to half-time. 

An inspired change from Auckland United coach Jo Dawkins saw Victor Barbosa come on at the break. 10 minutes later he got the equaliser and in the 61st minute his second put United in front. 

On the 66th minute Tauranga City’s captain Henry Kemp brough the game level at 2:2, heading in from a corner. 

But the Mount Maunganui side could only hold on for two minutes before Auckland United once again took the lead. Ishveer Singh-Dhillon’s strike in the 68th minute proved to be the winner as United took out the title 3:2.  

The boy’s Youth National League was launched this season as a competition for players under 17, mirroring the men’s National League. Teams competed in three regional leagues (Northern League, Central League and Southern League) with the top sides qualifying for the Youth National League finals held this past weekend. 

Both the boy’s and girl’s Youth National League competitions are supported with funding through partners New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) and FIFA. 

Article added: Monday 17 October 2022