Auckland FC v Western Sydney Wanderers: Auckland prevail, back on top of A-League table

Auckland FC celebrate a goal. Photo / Getty Images

Auckland FC remain the kings of the road.

They continued their solid away form on Friday night, with an impressive 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Second half goals from Sam Cosgrove and Lachlan Brook proved decisive, in a match that was far from straightforward.

The Wanderers made not have lived up to their pre-season billing but they remain a difficult assignment and were unbeaten at home before this match. It was also a game played in tough conditions, on a hot humid night in Sydney but Auckland once again demonstrated their resilience.

They struggled to assert themselves in the first half – as the Wanderers had most of the chances – but came back strongly after the break to take the contest away from the hosts.

Brook was impressive against his former club, Cosgrove was busy and Felipe Gallegos and Guilermo May added impact off the bench. But the key was their defensive resolve, while the switch to a five man defence after the opening goal proved a smart one. The result means Auckland go back to the top of the A-League table, ahead of Sydney FC’s match on Saturday afternoon.

Corica opted for an unchanged lineup, as Callan Elliot again kept club captain Hiroki Sakai out of the starting XI. In a physical contest, the Wanderers dominated the first half. Auckland had their moments but were edgy in possession, with sloppy passing adding pressure, as the home side made inroads with their pressing.

After Kosta Barbarouses forced an early save from Michael Woud, fellow former Wellington Phoenix player Bozhidar Kraev hit the far post with angled effort. Brandon Borrello twice went close – with one long range shot flashing wide, before stinging Woud’s palms at the near post. Dan Hall also had to be alert to intercept a pass meant for Barbarouses.

It wasn’t completely one way traffic, and Cosgrove also stole in as the Wanderers defence hestitated just before halftime. The striker elected not to shoot – from an acute angle – and then the chance was gone.

Corica went to his bench early, bringing on Guilermo May and Felipe Gallegos after 55 minutes for Jake Brimmer and Logan Rogerson. They added to the energy and there was an almost immediate impact, with Cosgrove’s goal, after a pass from Gallegos fell kindly.

Cosgrove took his time to line up the shot – which looped off Jesse Randall’s foot, who was lying on the ground - and it floated into the top right corner. Soon afterwards Auckland FC moved to their back five, with Nando Pijnaker introduced (for Jesse Randall) while Sakai came on for Elliott. It meant they sat deeper but were still dangerous.

May ran from halfway to test Lawrence Thomas, before Brook’s special moment. The goal was made by Louis Verstraete – who won possession on halfway then strode forward to release Brook. The former Wanderers player cut inside one defender, then produced an unerringly finish past Thomas. Brook had another opportunity – as his confidence grew – while May should have scored late on, dragging his shot just wide of the far post.

Western Sydney Wanderers 0

Auckland FC 2 (Sam Cosgrove 57’, Lachlan Brook 74)

Halftime: 0-0