Even though results overnight meant Auckland FC had won the A-League Premier's Plate before their game against Perth Glory had even begun, it didn't stop the team's fans descending en masse to Go Media Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday. A full house watched the eventual 1-0 win and lifting of the club's first piece of silverware, all full of praise for what had been achieved in only their first season.
"I think a lot of Aucklanders have been gagging, gagging for a football team for a long time," said fan Ollie, who was attending the game with his wife and two-year-old daughter.
"So it's been a long time coming, we're all excited."
The family friendly environment at Mt Smart was a constant theme among people, with the police confirming late in the game that there had been no incidents like the assault on a visiting Western Sydney Wanderers fan several weeks ago.
Auckland FC's Marlee Francois curves the ball in from a corner to score. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.photosport.nz
Fans Katie and Lizzy, both from England, said the while the crowd was "getting there" in comparison to what they were used to back home, it was still a great occasion.
"It's super entertaining, I love that they're winning," said Katie.
The team had even managed to convert at least one fan who would usually be coming to Mt Smart to watch the Warriors.
"It's massive. I mean, for football in rugby country, and I grew up a league and rugby fanatic. It was the first time I've been coming to a football this year," said local fan Steve.
The atmosphere created by the home fans was something that Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic admitted played a part in the result, as well as the overall success of Auckland FC this season.
"It was like a European atmosphere," he said, in reference to Auckland's active supporter group The Port.
"It's something we want in the A-League, all the teams are trying to do that. Obviously we're the same, we have a great fan base at home and we want to create those kind of atmospheres. For a new club to come in like Auckland have and produce the season that they've had and the crowds…winning creates that. Today was difficult…they obviously wanted to finish off with a party."
Hiroki Sakai and Steve Corica celebrate with the A-League Premier's Plate. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
His counterpart Steve Corica, who has now coached Auckland FC to 14 straight unbeaten performances, said that since the Plate was already sewn up, the only pressure was to deliver for their fans.
"We didn't want to let them down, we didn't want to let ourselves down either. I think the way we played showed there was a little less pressure," he said.
"First and foremost a big thank you (to the fans) for showing up on a rainy day. The Port has grown over the season, they've really got behind us since the moment we started this team. It's been an amazing journey so far."
However, while Corica said he'll be happy for his players to celebrate this historic feat, he wants their minds back on the job for the final game of the regular season on Friday against Western Sydney in Parramatta. Auckland will be aiming to become the first team to ever win both the Premier's Plate and overall A-League title in their first season, with home advantage clinched if they reach next month's grand final.
