Auckland FC claimed more bragging rights over Wellington Phoenix, this time at academy level as the two rivals went head-to-head in the first ever youth New Zealand Derby.
Saturday’s historic fixture saw Auckland defeat fellow academy outfit Wellington 2-1 in the National League.
There is another layer to the New Zealand Derby, which lit up the Isuzu UTE A-League last season following Auckland’s introduction to the competition, with the Black Knights winning all three showdowns in 2024-25.
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Over the weekend, fans saw the first instalment of the youth New Zealand Derby as Auckland FC came out on top against Wellington’s U20 team, who were without a host of regulars and head coach Chris Greenacre due to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Auckland and Wellington traded goals in the first half after Phoenix’s Dylan Gardiner cancelled out Semi Nabenu’s opener.
Then, Aston Burns struck 16 minutes from the end to guide the Black Knights to a memorable victory in front of The Port.
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“It was unreal,” Auckland captain Everton O’Leary said via the club’s media channel post-game. “To see the support out here today, it definitely got us over the line.
“We showed a lot of power and what we’re about, and we showed we’re the best team in the country.
“…This is why we should be playing football, playing for the supporters.”
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Auckland FC academy head coach Luke Casserly added: Pleased with the result, especially our defensive work. I thought the back
“To be fair to them, they played some good football and probably outdid us with possession around the sixes and central defender.
“But we made more clear chances.”
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“It’s good. I was under pressure with our derby result so we had to get a win,” he continued with a smile, referencing Steve Corica’s Premiership-winning Isuzu UTE A-League outfit and their record against Wellington.
“Great for the boys to get that experience in front of the Port. Have to deal with that is a bit different for them.”
