Auckland FC captain Horoki Sakai celebrates after Wellington Phoenix scored an own goal during during the A-League football match at Mt Smart Stadium, 7 Dec 2024. Photo: Photosport
In front of a capacity Go Media Mt Smart Stadium crowd, Auckland FC have triumphed over arch-rivals Wellington Phoenix 2-1 in a frenetic, action-packed match at Mt Smart Stadium.
The win extends their unbeaten run in their maiden A-League season to six matches, and they maintain their competition lead, with the Phoenix slipping to fifth, with their second loss, with the first also inflicted by the Aucklanders.
The win, before 26,253 boisterous fans, came after they led 1-0 halftime courtesy of a Isaac Hughes own goal. They went further ahead in the 70th minute with Nando Pijnaker headed in a free kick from Hiroki Sakai.
Sakai had had a role in the earlier own goal, whipping in a cross that got Hughes in a tangle as he booted the ball past goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi.
Auckland FC supporters The Port before the A-League football match between Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix at Go Media Stadium - Auckland. Photo: Photosport
Auckland's goalie Alex Paulsen had pulled off some impressive saves, twice going down injured, with one of them from a challenge that saw Phoenix veteran Kosta Barbarouses booked.
But it was Barbarouses who gave the Phoenix a chance to get back in the game, banging in a goal in the 82nd minute, the first that Paulsen and Auckland FC have conceded this season.
That paved the way for a frantic finish, with Phoenix throwing everything at claiming an equaliser but Auckland FC managed to keep their goal intact during the six extra minutes.
Auckland FC players celebrate victory over Wellington Phoenix with their fans, Dec 2024. Photo: Photosport
Auckland FC defender Tommy Smith was delighted with the win and the crowd atmosphere, terming his side's supporters The Port their "12th man".
"We want this rivalry to be a big one - and it's going the right way,'' he told Sky Sport.
"We knew they would come out and try and get revenge for the game at their place. They gave us a real good game and I think they were much improved on the game before, but we clung on for the win and that's the main thing."
