Soccer: Auckland finding their feet

Photo / Hawke's Bay Today.

ASB Premiership
Auckland City - 5
Hawke's Bay United- 0

The former Hawke's Bay player decked out in a silver leotard and pink leggings for his stag do wasn't too happy but most others left Kiwitea St satisfied yesterday.

What they saw was an Auckland City side starting to find its rhythm. The four-time champions have played reasonably well all season but struggled in front of goal.

Previously they had scored just six goals in five games but they have since knocked in eight in their last two starts.

It's coincided with the return from China of All White and captain Ivan Vicelich but his presence isn't the sole reason. He was barely stretched yesterday against a Hawke's Bay side who battled manfully for 65 minutes but offered little threat.

Midfielder Adam McGeorge scored his first Premiership hat-trick and he was joined on the scoresheet by Stu Kelly and Andrew Milne.

McGeorge's first was an excellent left-foot drive from 20m and the second a deflected shot past goalkeeper Richard Gillespie. When Auckland were awarded a late penalty, which also saw Hawke's Bay defender Marama Thompson sent off, no one was getting the ball off the midfielder.

As well as McGeorge played, David Mulligan was even better. Auckland scored four goals after he came on and the All Whites midfielder set up McGeorge for his second, whipped in a series of dangerous balls and impressed with some fancy flicks and back-heels. He's desperate to return to the professional ranks but City will hope he sticks around a while longer.

Auckland moved back into second on the table behind runaway leaders Waitakere United but their next two games could well define their season - Canterbury and Waitakere away.