Auckland FC's Sam Cosgrove and Jesse Randall. Photo / Photosport
Mark this down as the most important result of Auckland FC’s season so far.
It was also the moment when they showed their championship credentials, under immense pressure. Steve Corica’s men have hit the heights when they needed it most, with a stirring 2-1 win over A-League leaders Newcastle on Saturday evening. The result, which was the first time the Jets have tasted defeat this year, takes Auckland to within one point of the New South Wales team.
It means their hopes of another Premiers plate are still alive, with five games to play. But it wasn’t just the win, more the way it was achieved. Auckland FC were thoroughly dominant, reflected in 17 shots to seven (five to one on target).
Striker Sam Cosgrove scored in each half, becoming the first Auckland player to reach 10 goals in a season. Jesse Randall, who was a constant menace, hit the woodwork, along with Guillermo May, as Auckland produced one of their most effective attacking performances of the campaign.
They were also resolute and brave at the back, with Dan Hall and Jake Girdwood-Reich particularly prominent, as Newcastle threw the kitchen sink in the last 35 minutes. It was a reminder of what is possible from this Auckland FC squad and stopped the run of defeats against this opposition this season.
It was a terrific game – with the intensity of a playoff – and an energy sapping contest, as the match was stretched out for long periods. On the weight of chances, Auckland probably should have been further ahead but it only added to the litmus test late in the second half. They sat deep and defended their lead – which invited pressure – though they were good enough to withstand it. The performance adds to the feeling that Auckland are building momentum at the right time.
Corica opted for an unchanged line up, while Newcastle fielded the same XI for the eighth consecutive match, equalling an A-League record. Newcastle could have scored in the second minute, but Eli Adams got his feet tangled up at the far post, after Clayton Taylor had got behind the Auckland defence. There was a physical intensity from the outset, with Auckland determined to impose themselves. The premiers settled quicker, with Cameron Howieson and Francis de Vries both testing goalkeeper James Delianov from distance.
The opening goal in the 15th minute was all about Randall’s pace, as the winger was released by May before an inviting cross for Cosgrove, who bundled home after a favourable rebound from Delianov.
Though Newcastle were dominating possession, Auckland looked in control, until a lapse for the equaliser in the 28th minute. It was clever move on the left flank, but the visitors will be disappointed with the way Taylor got free in the area, before a slide rule finish. Auckland were unfortunate not to go back in front just before halftime, as May – who has seemed cursed at times this season in front of goal – hit the crossbar with a snappy volley, after a Cosgrove flick on.
But the visitors made an explosive start to the second period. The impressive Dan Hall headed over from barely four yards, after Randall got free, before Logan Rogerson forced a brilliant point blank save from Delianov, with Randall again the provider.
Auckland were finally rewarded with Cosgrove’s second, a well placed header after de Vries found him at the back post. There could have been more, as Randall hit the woodwork from distance with a clean strike, then Cosgrove got free but couldn’t profit.
Corica employed the cavalry with 20 minutes to go, including midfield shield Louis Verstraete and Lachlan Brook. James had a chance – but snapped at his shot – while Auckland looked dangerous on the break.
There were nervy moments but Auckland were always where they needed to be, with men behind the ball and in great position. Verstraete was superb in his late cameo, while teenager Luka Vicelich entered the fray for his A-League debut and managed an ice cool clearance.
Newcastle Jets 1 (Clayton Taylor 28’)
Auckland FC 2 (Sam Cosgrove 15’, 52’)
Halftime: 1-1