Carlo Armiento of the Phoenix attempts a cross. www.photosport.nz
After watching this, you might start to wonder if the Wellington Phoenix will ever win a New Zealand derby.
This will go down as a famous victory for Auckland FC. Maybe their most famous so far. Despite having two men sent off in the second half – and being reduced to nine players from the 80th minute – the Black Knights prevailed 2-1 in the capital, to continue their dominance over the capital team.
It was staggering stuff, as first Dan Hall (52nd minute) then Logan Rogerson (80th minute) received red cards. The Auckland team had to also see out 10 minutes of added time in the second period, while they also lost their captain Jake Brimmer to a serious shoulder injury.
The victory was built on a clinical first half, as they twice exposed the Wellington high line, for goals from Sam Cosgrove and Jesse Randall, the first coming after just 28 seconds. Ifeanyi Eze got one back for the Phoenix but they created little clear cut in the second half, despite their numerical advantage.
As a contest, this had absolutely everything, with 100 minutes of brilliant theatre. All three derbies last season had left a bit to be desired but this was a blockbuster. There was the Auckland FC goal in half a minute, a screamer in response from Wellington and the two big flashpoints in the second half.There were fierce challenges, tackles flying in and a tremendous atmosphere created by a modest but vocal crowd.
But when the dust settles, the pattern remains the same in this rivalry, as defensive lapses again proved costly for the Phoenix, with their polarising high line.
Even before kick-off, there were worries for the home side. Already without Tim Payne, they lost their most important defender (Manjrekar James) and most creative midfielder (Hideki Ishige) to injuries during the week. James’ absence felt particularly telling, as it left a rookie backline, with all four defenders relatively inexperienced and under the age of 23.
And so it proved, with the calamitous early concession. It was scarcely believable, as Randall beat the offside trap – running onto a Francis de Vries lofted pass – before squaring to Cosgrove for a simple tap in. Some fans were still taking their seats, while the massed Yellow Fever support were left shaking their heads.
To their credit, the Phoenix recovered quickly, forcing a series of corners before Eze’s wonder goal. It came from a mistake, with Brimmer’s misdirected pass but the finish was top drawer, arcing into the top corner from 20 metres, over goalkeeper Michael Woud. After a physical battle for the next 25 minutes, the Phoenix were stung again, with Randall catching out the high line, before a lovely chipped finish.
It was another ‘what just happened’ moment, as the Wellington defenders tried to play an offside trap inside the opposition half. It was also the signal for Auckland to up the ante. They should have gone further ahead in the 36th minute but Cosgrove – who enjoyed a running battle with Lukas Kelly-Heald – missed a point blank header from close range after a pinpoint de Vries cross, with Auckland coach Steve Corica left with his head in his hands. The dangerous Randall also hit the post from a clever volley, as the visitors enjoyed all the momentum.
A major flashpoint with Hall’s dismissal after 52 minutes, after he wrestled down Corban Piper near the penalty area. De Vries was nearby, but referee Ben Abraham judged it was a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity, as substitute Piper’s combative approach paid instant dividends.
That changed the face of the game, with defender Nando Pijnaker introduced and Cosgrove sacrificed. Auckland were looking relatively comfortable – as they dropped back into a low block, before even more drama, with Rogerson’s red card for a high challenge on Kelly-Heald. It was questionable – as Rogerson was slipping – but the contact was definitely high.
But from there, against all odds, Auckland FC hung on, as Wellington huffed and puffed but never really threatened Woud in the opposition goal, though the excellent Callan Elliott did well to deflect a Rufer shot over the crossbar. The Phoenix mounted a ton of pressure, with Auckland defending grimly, though didn’t have the composure to find decent openings.
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Ifeanyi Eze 9)
Auckland FC 1 (Sam Cosgrove 1, Jesse Randall 34)
Halftime: 2-1
Red cards: Dan Hall 52’, Logan Rogerson 80’