Soccer: City cruise back into form

Auckland City's Adam McGeorge. Photo / Christine Cornege

There's nothing like playing YoungHeart Manawatu to get back into that winning groove.

Auckland City went into this match yesterday on the back of the longest winless streak in the club's history. They hadn't won since the 3-0 O-League defeat of AS Magenta on October 23 (four Premiership and two O-League games) but could have played with 10 men yesterday, such was their dominance.

They led 3-0 at halftime - only some brilliant goalkeeping from Manawatu's Matt Borren kept it respectable - and were entirely comfortable throughout.

Harsh critics would suggest they should have won by more, much more, but they would be more concerned if they weren't creating chances.

In contrast, Manawatu scored just their second goal of the season and are rooted to the foot of the table without a win or even a draw.

It was a much-needed return to the winner's circle for Auckland, who went into the sixth round in the unfamiliar position of sixth.

They aren't the all-conquering team of yesteryear, when they won four of the first five NZFC titles, but they still have resources most other clubs can only dream of. Yesterday, for example, they had the luxury of handing a debut to former Glasgow Rangers trainee Andrew Milne; Manawatu handed a debut to youth team player Jono Steele.

Auckland are still nine points behind runaway leaders Waitakere United, who beat Waikato 3-1 in yesterday's other match to maintain their 100 per cent winning record in the Premiership.

The congested nature of the table meant they jumped to second ahead of today's two matches.

"We were due a result," Auckland co-coach Aaron McFarland said. "We've played some good games but struggled to score. I think some players will still be a bit disappointed they didn't get themselves on the scoresheet but I'm delighted with three points."

Although they probably would have won without him, the result coincided with the return of captain Ivan Vicelich from a short-term stint playing in China.

The All White was national league Player of the Year last season and not only comes with more experience than any other player in the league, but injects confidence in those around him.

He didn't rule out returning to China next year - "there's always a chance, as I've found out with football," he said - but Auckland would prefer he didn't. The 34-year-old is crucial to their Premiership and O-League hopes and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them take a more customary position on the table.

They played some nice football against Manawatu and the visitors struggled to cope with the power of striker Adam Dickinson and trickery of Luis Corrales.

Auckland led thanks to a 10th-minute own goal and had the game wrapped up after Angel Berlanga and Daniel Morgan, who smacked an unstoppable drive from outside the box, found the back of the net.

Manawatu replied through a deflected Michael White shot on the hour, but rarely threatened. Coach Bob Sova has some problems but remains philosophical.

"It's difficult [to keep their spirits up]," he said. "If we had big-gun players and had these results you might have a few fights in the changing room but when you have a younger squad ... it's an experience for them."

Waitakere are the team to beat and yesterday saw off Waikato with goals from Sean Lovemore, Roy Krishna and Allan Pearce.

ASB Premiership
Auckland City 3
YoungHeart Manawatu 1