Auckland City FC have won the men’s National League Championship after a thrilling Grand Final, defeating fellow Auckland side Birkenhead United 2-1 after extra time at North Harbour Stadium in front of a lively crowd of 4,972 fans.

Despite Auckland City FC finishing 8 points ahead of fourth-placed Birkenhead United in the Northern League, the two teams were locked in a close National League Championship battle, with Birkenhead finishing one point ahead of their Sandringham-based rivals. 

Both teams lined up with plenty of talent, including players who have represented New Zealand at international level.

The match was an end-to-end affair, with both teams starting strongly and creating opportunities, the best of which fell to Jerson Lagos, whose free kick was saved brilliantly by Silvio Rodic in the Birkenhead net - one of many crucial stops made by Rodic throughout the match.

In the 23rd minute, Birkenhead United broke the deadlock. 

A brilliant cross from deep found the head of Monty Patterson, who flicked the ball over Conor Tracey in the Auckland City FC goal for his eighth goal of the Championship.

One goal up, Birkenhead pushed to extend their advantage and looked in control heading into the break. 

However, just a minute before half-time, Auckland City FC equalized. 

A cross from the Navy Blues was deflected into his own net by Luke Jorgensen, levelling the score at 1-1.

The half-time break worked in Auckland City FC’s favour as they emerged reenergized, taking more control of the game. 

In the 57th minute, they looked certain to take the lead but were denied by a stunning double save from Rodic, who blocked an initial shot before getting a glove to Myer Bevan’s close-range follow-up.

With 10 minutes remaining, Auckland City thought they had a penalty, but it was overruled by the assistant referee after it became clear the ball had struck a shoulder rather than hand.

The decision buoyed Birkenhead, who immediately went on the attack, forcing a goal-line clearance from a Dino Botica header.

With the score tied at the end of 90 minutes, the game went to extra time.

After neither side could find the net in the first half, the second half saw Auckland City FC take the lead for the first time in the match. 

Substitute Angus Kilkolly, coming in from the right wing, played a neat one-two with fellow substitute Dylan Manickum, who finished across Rodic with less than 10 minutes to play.

Cue jubilation from the Auckland City FC fans in the crowd.

Birkenhead fought hard but couldn’t find a way back, meaning Auckland City FC reclaimed the title they had lost to Wellington Olympic at the same stage last year.

Auckland City FC captain Mario Ilich was awarded the Steve Sumner trophy for Player of the Match. 


Final Score (after extra time):

Birkenhead United – 1 (23’ Monty Patterson)
Auckland City FC – 2 (44’ OG, 111’ Angus Killkolly)

Article added: Sunday 01 December 2024