Auckland FC produced a remarkable display to defeat Wellington Phoenix 2-1 at Sky Stadium on Saturday night, holding on with just nine men to claim a fourth straight victory in the NZ A-League derby.
The visitors made a dream start, silencing the 'Yellow Fever' fans after just 28 seconds. Jesse Randall's searing pace split the Phoenix high-line, before his low cross found Sam Cosgrove, who finished smartly from close range.
Wellington hit back quickly through their own import striker, Ifeanyi Eze. The Nigerian capitalised on a loose Jake Brimmer pass to curl home a sublime equaliser from range.
However, Wellington's high-line was exposed again, as Auckland restored their lead, when Randall raced behind the defence once more, producing a deft chip over oncoming keeper Josh Oluwayemi, which may or may not have got a final touch from Cosgrove.
Then came the second half drama, as Auckland were forced to hold on with just nine men. First, Auckland centreback Dan Hall, so rarely beaten for pace and strength, hauled down substitute Corban Piper, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Auckland weathered the storm, but their issues were compounded, when Logan Rogerson's reckless lunge saw him join Hall in the sheds.
For all Wellington's pressure, Auckland - who also lost their captain for the night, Jake Brimmer, to a dislocated shoulder - were not seriously troubled.
Phoenix skipper Alex Rufer had a couple of long-range efforts, Lukas Kelly-Heald saw an effort deflected clear and youngster Luke Brooke-Smith could only head wide late, as the nine minutes of added time ticked away.
When referee Ben Abraham blew for full-time, Auckland's players collapsed in relief, after surviving 45 minutes of relentless pressure. For the Phoenix, it was another painful chapter in the growing rivalry - a night when numerical advantage, home support and near-total dominance could not deliver a first victory against their rivals.
Auckland go into the international break atop the table, with Brisbane Roar awaiting in two weeks, while the Phoenix will hope to put this result behind them at home to Macarthur.
Follow the action here:
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Referee Ben Abraham shows a red card to Auckland FC's Logan Rogerson. Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport
