Auckland FC 3
Melbourne City 0
A month ago, Auckland FC were searching for answers. Now they’re surging into March on the back of an unbeaten month.
After managing just one win in six matches in January, they flipped the script in February with three wins in four games, capped by a commanding 3-0 victory over defending A-League champions Melbourne City at Go Media Mt Smart today in front of 13,112 fans.
The Black Knights looked more like the team that won the Premiers Plate last season, with the ability to withstand pressure and capitalise on opportunities, while players who have struggled this season are starting to find form.
In his 17th appearance this season, Logan Rogerson finally found the back of the net, scoring the opening goal, while Guillermo May has scored in back-to-back games.
A noticeable improvement has been their defence. In January, they conceded 10 goals, compared to just one in February.
That has led to a big contrast in results. They secured just one win in January, alongside two draws and three defeats – including a 2-1 loss at the hands of City – while in February, they won three and drew one.
Securing three points did come at a cost, though, with captain Hiroki Sakai forced to leave the field late in the first half, after being involved in several heavy collisions.
The Black Knights named an unchanged side to the one that beat the Wellington Phoenix 5-0 a week ago, with import striker Sam Cosgrove making his return from suspension via the bench.
The opening exchanges followed a similar pattern to last week, with City setting the tone and Auckland having to absorb all the pressure.
The visitors were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when the ball came off Callan Elliot’s arm inside the penalty box, but referee Ben Abraham allowed the match to continue.
Sakai then went off, with Cosgrove coming on and making an immediate impact with his highly physical presence.
That’s when the hosts broke the deadlock, May’s cross finding an unmarked Rogerson, who headed it home for his first goal since the first-leg semi-final last season against Melbourne Victory.
Returning from the break, City were again aggressive and had some chances to equalise, but Auckland were up to the challenge.
Goalkeeper Michael Woud claimed the assist for Auckland’s second goal when his clearance kick was misjudged by City defender Harrison Delbridge and striker Jesse Randall pounced to claim his ninth goal of the season, moving to the top of the golden boot race for most goals in the A-League season.
Auckland thought they had a third minutes later when Cosgrove converted a counter-attacking play, but it was ruled out due to May making contact with City keeper Patrick Beach.
But that didn’t matter as the third goal was eventually found when, from a free kick, Cosgrove headered the ball straight to Randall, who crossed it to May, who calmly converted for his second of the season.
The result leaves Auckland FC in second, behind league leaders the Newcastle Jets, and they will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak to five on Sunday next week when they host Perth Glory.
Auckland FC 3 (Logan Rogerson 43′, Jesse Randall 59′, Guillermo May 66′).
Melbourne City 0
HT: 1-0
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.