Auckland FC are back to winning ways in the Isuzu UTE A-League after defeating Brisbane Roar 2-0 at Suncorp Stadium to move seven points clear at the top of the ladder.
Despite having fewer chances and less of the ball in the first-half at Suncorp Stadium the league-leaders showed why they’re the team to catch this season as defender Nando Pijnaker gave his side the lead with a thumping header in first-half stoppage time.
The home side had plenty of opportunities to level things up but couldn’t find a way past Alex Paulsen in the Auckland goal.
Captain Hiroki Sakai eventually put the result to bed in the 83rd minute as the Japanese slotted home Auckland’s second late on which was eventually confirmed after a lengthy VAR check.
The result brings about an end to the Black Knight’s three-game winless run and moves them seven points clear of Western United at the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League.
As for Brisbane Roar, Ruben Zadkovich’s side suffered their 13th loss of the season and remain without a win at Suncorp Stadium in over a year.
On a hot and humid afternoon in Brisbane it was the home side who controlled the opening stages.
Receiving the ball in space on the edge of the Auckland area, veteran midfielder Jay O’Shea had the first opening of the game and forced goalkeeper Alex Paulsen into a smart save after just 10 minutes.
After the first drinks break of the afternoon, Roar youngster Jacob Brazete weaved his way through the Auckland defensive line however his shot was a weak one and barely threatened Alex Paulsen in the Black Knights goal.
However, despite Brisbane having more of the ball in the opening half it was the league-leaders who caught the home side napping in first-half stoppage-time.
Recycling the ball well from a set-piece, Auckland midfielder Verstraete whipped a pinpoint ball into the box and onto the head of the unmarked Pijnaker who’s thunderous header flew past Acton and into the back of the net.
Looking to respond in the second-half, Roar coach Ruben Zadkovich made a triple change in the 57th minute and just two minutes later they almost had the leveller.
After O’Shea’s wicked low free-kick into the box was parried up into the air by Paulsen, central defender Hosine Bility reacted quickest but his header back towards goal was saved at the last moment but the sprawling Paulsen.
Now upping the ante, O’Shea forced Paulsen into a smart save as the keeper sprang down to his left to tip the Irishman’s low effort round the post for a corner.
However, despite the home side’s somewhat dominance it was the visitors who snatched the all-important second goal off the back of a Brisbane chance.
Having saved Florin Berenguer’s header, Paulsen then sent his side straight up the other end.
Winning the initial flick-on, captain Sakai then sprinted forward to join the attack and when Logan Rogerson squared up his defender, Sakai was perfectly placed to receive the pass and slam home the second from the top of the box.
A somewhat lengthy VAR check then ensued to determine whether Rogerson was onside in the build-up to the goal however the officials green lit the goal and Sakai celebrated with his team mates as Auckland moved seven points clear at the top.
