History-making Auckland FC shattered more records as the high-flying Isuzu UTE A-League leaders preserved their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix.
In front of a record New Zealand Derby crowd of 26,253 – eclipsing the historic attendance at last month’s inaugural derby by just one, newcomers Auckland made it six wins from six games thanks to an Isaac Hughes own goal and Nando Pijnaker’s header at Go Media Stadium on Saturday.
Auckland found themselves in unfamiliar territory after conceding for the first time this season in the 82nd minute but the Black Knights still won their second consecutive derby, while creating more history.
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“What a game. What an occasion,” Sky Sport New Zealand commentator Jason Pine. “What a cauldron. Where else would you rather be than right in the middle of that (Port fans)?!”
Meanwhile, Network 10 analyst Andy Harper likened Auckland to Italian and European powerhouse Inter Milan.
“It’s appropriate Auckland are wearing blue and black because they resemble Inter Milan of the 50-60s where Catenaccio came from,” said Harper. “Helenio Herrera the famous Catenaccio doorbolt coach.”
“That record spoilt with the concession of that goal but they are incredible difficult to break down.”
Harper then heaped praise on Auckland’s Japanese superstar and captain Hiroki Sakai.
A veteran of three FIFA Men’s World Cups, Auckland completed a coup when they prised the legendary defender from Japanese giants Urawa Reds.
The 34-year-old was a face of passion throughout the second derby as he impressed against the Phoenix.
“The fact is Sakai has been trying to get into the A-League for a couple of years. It’s taken Auckland to get him here but I know for a fact he’s been desperate to play in this country,” Harper revealed post-match.
“He’s finished up at Urawa Red Diamonds because Auckland came knocking. This is just more than being a captain, although he is being a fantastic captain.
“Here’s a guy with everything he’s achieved, wants to play in this part of the world. It’s just coming out of every pore. It’s brilliant to see. Great captaincy.
“Powerful, powerful performance and a real leader. For everything he’s achieved, this was what was left on his to-do-list – come and play in the A-League. It’s a great advertisement for the competition to have a guy of this stature playing with such passion because this is really where he wants to be.”
Auckland are five points clear atop the standings, eight points clear of fifth-placed Wellington.
Go Media Stadium was rocking for the second derby of the season – there was a sea of blue, with a splash of yellow as Wellington fans travelled to Auckland for the blockbuster showdown.
There was an electric atmosphere and ferocious intensity from the first whistle in a half that saw Auckland tally 11 shots to just two from the Phoenix.
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After Belgian star Louis Verstraete succumbed to injury in an early blow for Auckland, the home side broke another record in the 25th minute – eclipsing the 1986 Preston Lions for the longest time without conceding a goal to start a season in Australian men’s national league history.
Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen was in the wars during the opening half after going down on three occasions before the Black Knights hit the front just past the half-hour mark.
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An own goal was Auckland’s best friend as Hiroki Sakai’s cross found the back of the net after Wellington defender Isaac Hughes headed the ball into his own net.
Wellington made a fast start to the second half, with a couple of early opportunities – Hideki Ishige’s curled effort sailed just over the crossbar.
The Phoenix continued to push forward in search of an equaliser but they lacked conviction and they came unstock 20 minutes from the end when Auckland doubled their lead.
Josh Oluwayemi’s indecision proved costly as Auckland defender Nando Pijnaker headed home Auckland’s second goal after the Phoenix goalkeeper looked to come out to collect a cross before retreating.
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Wellington should have pulled a goal back three minutes later but Sam Sutton’s shot was kept out by Paulsen, while Kosta Barbarouses had a goal at his mercy but the rebound went straight to the Auckland shot-stopper.
Tempers threatened to boil over when Rufer kicked Luis Toomey while he laid on the ground with the ball underneath him, with the Phoenix captain shown a yellow card.
Auckland’s defence was finally breached seven minutes from the end when Rufer released Barbarouses the veteran forward finished emphatically to setup a grand-stand finish.
Wellington gained the ascendency with the goal as Auckland retreated back during the closing stages but the home side managed to hold on for maximum points.
