Soccer: Vicelich guides Auckland's youngsters

Ivan Vicelich. Photo / Greg Bowker

At this time for the past four years Waitakere United and Auckland City (twice each) were flying the Oceania flag at the Fifa Club World Cup.

Bitterly disappointed they are not back for third appearances after Hekari United ended that dream with their win in last season's O-League, the two clubs had to make do with 3-1 round six ASB Premiership wins which at least keeps them in the hunt for a return next year.

Take Waitakere - six-from-six and eight points clear - out of the mix and it would be a classic contest with the next six teams separated by just three points after six of the 14 rounds.

Auckland City made no race of their home win over YoungHeart Manawatu. The return of inspirational leader Ivan Vicelich played a huge part as the under-strength City side coasted to their second win of the season. Given a flying start courtesy of a 10th-minute own goal, City continued to dominate. Angel Berlanga headed home a Daniel Morgan corner midway through the spell for 2-0 and Morgan added a third with a long range shot on the run for a 3-0 halftime lead.

Manawatu got one back on the hour when Michael White snapped a shot which took a deflection from Berlanga on its way to the back of the goal.

"The priority was to get the three points," said City co-coach Ramon Tribulietx. "We planned to carry the first-half momentum into the second but we were not as good. Having Ivan [Vicelich] back helped as we have a lot of young players who benefit from the experience he brings.

"Sure, we have some selection problems now with pretty close to a full squad to select from but that is a good problem. We are back here for another home game and we want another three points."

Manawatu coach Bob Sova, lamenting a none-from-six (points that is) start to the season, admitted his team is struggling in midfield.

"The three goals we conceded were all pretty soft," said Sova. "If we are to have a chance, we have to score first. We won a bit more second phase ball in the second half but that wasn't enough."

Waitakere hit the Fred Jones pitch in Hamilton running.

Sean Lovemore had them a goal up over Waikato FC inside five minutes. Milos Nikolic snatched a 28th minute equaliser but that joy was short-lived as Roy Krishna had the visitors back in front within a minute. Golden boot leader Allan Pearce slammed the door two minutes into the second half.

In starkly different finishes, Nathan Knox scored three minutes into stoppage time as Otago beat favoured Canterbury 2-1 in Dunedin and Team Wellington stormed home with late goals from Michael Fifii and Emiliano Tado to down Hawkes Bay United 3-2 after the home side had led 2-0 at the break.

Waitakere handed Team Wellington a lesson in yesterday's ASB Youth League semifinal.

Led by a hat-trick from Ethan Galbraith, Waitakere cruised home 8-0 and will now play Canterbury in Sunday's final after they edged Waikato FC 1-0 in the other semifinal.