Auckland FC have dropped two crucial points in the race for the Premiers Plate after drawing 2-2 with Perth Glory in a thrilling clash at Go Media Stadium.
It took the home side just seven minutes to break the deadlock and it came from the boot of in-form striker Sam Cosgrove, who lashed a powerful low effort into the back of the net from the edge of the box after Perth failed to clear their lines from a set-piece.
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The Black Knights then almost doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Cosgrove played Guillermo May through on goal but the Uruguayan drilled his shot wide of the far post.
Completely against the run of play Perth Glory levelled things up in the 39th minute as Brian Kaltak escaped the marking of close friend and former Mariners teammate Dan Hall to head home the equaliser from a corner.
Cosgrove came close to reestablishing Auckland’s lead early in the second half but the Englishman’s towering header was tipped over the bar by Perth keeper Matt Sutton before the shotstopper then pulled off a stunning save to deny Cam Howieson.
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Despite their dominance though it was Perth who took the lead in the 57th minute as Stefan Colacovski latched on to a precise through ball from Luca Tevere before dispatching the ball beyond Michael Woud.
The Glory goalscorer was then booked for celebrating in front of the Auckland active support, with his actions instigating some push and shove on the byline between both sets of players.
Both sets of players involved in a melee
Auckland weren’t behind for long though as Cosgrove connected with Francis De Vries’ pinpoint cross and powered a header towards goal which hit the post and then the trailing leg of goalkeeper Sutton. The goal was initially chalked off due to an apparent foul inside the box but a quick VAR check saw referee Declan Woods overturn his initial decision.
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Both sides threw caution to the wind in the final stages as Perth went close to bagging the winner through Adam Taggart, however both sides were forced to settle for a point.
The result leaves Auckland sat second on the ladder but now four points behind league leaders Newcastle Jets before their meeting next weekend.
As for Perth Glory, Adam Griffiths’ side sit 10th on the ladder and now four points outside the top six.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Perth Glory captain Scott Wootton spoke with Sky Sport NZ after his side secured a point on the road in Auckland.
Auckland captain Francis De Vries caught up with Sky Sports NZ after the full time whistle.
