Auckland have moved to the top of the Isuzu Ute A-League table after a strong 2-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners at polytec Stadium.
Sam Cosgrove’s powerful diving header settled the occasion for the Black Knights just before the hour mark, after Callan Elliott’s unfortunate own goal had earlier cancelled out Jesse Randall’s 20th minute opener.
Francis de Vries and Lachlan Brook were the architects of Auckland’s victory, both of them constantly challenging the CCM defence with pace, directness and skill.
Christian Theoharous probed regularly for the Mariners, while Storm Roux’s 33rd minute cross was so good that Elliott had to intervene and found the back of his own net.
The spirited Mariners had to play the last few minutes of the game after losing Arthur de Lima to what appeared to be a hamstring injury just two minutes after he had come on.
ALEX TOBIN MEDAL VOTES:
3. Sam Cosgrove
2. Lachy Brook
1. Francis de Vries
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THE COACHES SAID:
Warren Moon:
“They were really physical, they played some really good forward passes into areas that tested us… it’s something for us to learn from.”
“We’ve got to be positive about our forward runs and get into space and release that pressure when we are penned in. We were probably a bit guilty of being a bit passive in our shape in the first half.”
“There’s positives to take… but we’ve come away with nothing.”
Steve Corica:
“He (Callan Elliott) is a very good player obviously, fighting to get in the All Whites side, and he’s still learning. Unfortunately for him he scored the own goal tonight, but I thought he had a really good performance.”
“The left hand side with Francis (de Vries) and Jesse (Randall) was dangerous… we want our full backs to get forward. We want to score goals and they’re a big part of the way we play.”
“We’re improving, we’re getting better… I’d like to keep a few more clean sheets than what we’re doing.”
