Auckland FC have overcome two red cards to see off Isuzu UTE A-League rivals Wellington Phoenix 2-1 in a wild New Zealand Derby.
Black Knights star Dan Hall and substitute Logan Rogerson were both sent off in the second half as Auckland played 20 minutes with nine men but the reigning premiers managed to withstand a Phoenix onslaught at Sky Stadium on Saturday night.
Steve Corica’s unbeaten Auckland claimed more bragging rights after celebrating a fourth straight win over their New Zealand foes in Round 4.
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It was a breath-taking fourth New Zealand Derby from the word go in Wellington.
The Phoenix, though, were back on level terms in the ninth minute when in-form recruit Eze equalised with an unbelievable strike from the edge of the penalty area.
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Wellington’s high line was sprung once more with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. Jesse Randall celebrated after dinking the ball over Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi but it was Auckland team-mate Cosgrove who was credited with the goal.
The Black Knights ended the opening 45 minutes strongly – Cosgrove came within a whisker of bagging Auckland’s third goal, while Randall hit the base of the post.
Wellington head coach Giancarlo Italiano turned to Corbin Piper at half-time and his introduction changed the game
Piper drew a foul from Hall, who was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity in the 49th minute.
Rogerson also came off the bench and saw red with 11 minutes of regulation remaining – much to the anger of Corica – but while Wellington huffed and puffed, they could not breach the 2024-25 Semi-Finalists.
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Match highlights
What they said
Hear from Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano and Auckland FC counterpart Steve Corica following Auckland’s 2-1 win on Saturday.
Giancarlo Italiano – Wellington Phoenix head coach
Steve Corica – Auckland FC head coach
