The men’s National League Championship trophy is heading to the capital after Wellington Olympic defeated 2022 champions Auckland City FC 2-0 at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart this afternoon. 

A cautious first half saw neither side able to find the net but Auckland City FC having the better of the chances.

With 20 minutes on the clock, Auckland City FC captain Cam Howieson’s long-range shot rebounded off the crossbar, bouncing off the goal line, centimeters from giving the Auckland side the lead. 

Minutes later they had another great chance after a neat passing move and great dribbling skills from midfielder Gerard Garriga, but his shot went just wide of Wellington Olympic’s Scott Basalaj in goal.

The second half saw the momentum change as Wellington Olympic grew into the game. 

After a number of half chances, Olympic finally made it count in the 58th minute to break the deadlock. 

A deep cross from Joel Stevens found the outstretched leg of Kailan Gould at the far post to finish past Conor Tracey in the Auckland City FC net. 

Going behind fired up City who pushed hard to get back into the game. 

The best chance fell to veteran forward Emiliano Tade whose shot from a freekick in the 82nd minute cannoned off the post. 

With seconds left in the game, Auckland City FC sent everyone up the pitch to look for a way back in, including their goalkeeper, but a quick counter from Olympic saw Jack-Henry Sinclair free facing an empty net. 

With the final kick of the game Sinclair’s shot from distance crossed the line to win the title for Olympic. 

Final Score:

Wellington Olympic – 2 (58’ Kailan Gould, 90+5’ Jack-Henry Sinclair)
Auckland City FC – 0 

Article added: Sunday 26 November 2023