Auckland United have claimed the women’s National League Championship trophy for 2023 after a 2-0 win over Dunedin-based Southern United at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart. 

The two sides qualified for the Grand Final after identical form in the National League Championship, both winning 7, drawing 1, suffering 1 defeat and having a goal difference of +16. 

Unsurprisingly for teams so closely tied during the season, the match started out evenly, with both looking to feel their way into the game.

The first clear-cut chance fell to Southern United’s top scorer Amy Hislop in the 8th minute, but her effort rebounded back off the crossbar. 

In the 24th minute Auckland United made the breakthrough. 

Great pressing from Rene Wasi saw the No. 11 win the ball back high up the pitch, allowing her to find 18-year-old Alexis Cook free in space.

Cook’s powerful finish from close range buried the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Auckland United, the score it stayed until half-time. 

 

The second half saw Auckland United continue to be the team on top and in the 57th minute they made it two. 

A great save from Southern United goalkeeper Lauren Paterson deflected to Auckland United’s Maisy Dewell on the edge of the box.

Dewell’s clever finish lobbed the ball over Paterson to double her side’s lead and put one hand on the trophy.

Southern United battled to get back into the game and in the dying moments would have done if not for a brilliant save from Auckland United goalkeeper Aimee Hall from a long-range shot. 

But ultimately it was Auckland United’s day with the National League Championship trophy now heading to Keith Hay Park.

Final Score:

Auckland United – 2 (24’ Alexis Cook, 57’ Maisy Dewell)
Southern United – 0

Article added: Sunday 26 November 2023