Auckland City have continued their perfect season in the ISPS Handa Premiership by defeating crosstown rivals Eastern Suburbs 3-2 this afternoon at Kiwitea St.

The Navy Blues, who came into the match with 11 wins from 11 matches in a remarkable run, were unrelenting as they won again to jump eight points clear at the top of the ISPS Handa Premiership table with a game in hand on the Lily Whites.

Ramon Tribulietx’s side, who have been the benchmark in the competition in recent time with Team Wellington, remain a chance of completing the ISPS Handa Premiership season without dropping a point. The Navy Blues have six games left in their season (including the rescheduled game against Southern United) and if they can pull off the feat of winning every game it would be an extraordinary achievement.

The defending champions got off to a perfect start today when Micah Lea’alafa was on hand to capitalise on a defensive error from Kelvin Kahlua at the back in the 14^th minute.

The pressure continued to tell when Suburbs’ Michael Built brought down David Browne just outside the Lily Whites 18-yard box and earned a yellow card for the challenge.  Brian Kaltak stepped up and hammered home the free-kick to give the home team a handy 2-0 lead.

The home side maintained that advantage leading into the break – thanks to a superb save from keeper Enaut Zubikarai to his left in injury time – and then went 3-0 up early in the second half.

Lea’alafa, the midfielder from the Solomon Islands who was in the thick of the action all afternoon, finished a superb cross from Browne in the 47^th minute and City were in control.

Danny Hay’s side fought back and former Auckland City forward Callum McCowatt got them on the scoresheet with a perfectly placed header to beat Zubikarai and give them a fighting chance. McCowatt’s goal was his ninth of the season and has him second-equal on the Golden Boot standings.

In the closing stages, Suburbs found some rhythm and combinations and produced an excellent team goal through second-half substitute Dalton Wilkins in the 74^th minute to set up a tense finish.

But City were good enough to hold on and close out their 12^th win of the campaign. There will be huge interest for the remainder of the ISPS Handa Premiership if anyone can take points off Auckland City as they look to claim their 10th minor premiership. 

ISPS Handa Premiership Match Week 14 Result:

Auckland City 3 (Micah Lea’alafa 14’ 47’, Brian Kaltak 23’) 
Eastern Suburbs 2 (Callum McCowatt 64’, Dalton Wilkins 74’)
HT: 2-0

Fixtures tomorrow

Canterbury United Dragons vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves
English Park, Christchurch
Sunday 27 January, 2pm

Tasman United vs Waitakere United
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Sunday 27 January, 2pm

Southern United vs Team Wellington
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Sunday 27 January, 2pm

Hamilton Wanderers vs Hawke’s Bay United
Porritt Stadium, Hamilton
Sunday 27 January, 4.35pm

For the ISPS Handa Premiership table click here

Article added: Saturday 26 January 2019