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AKL vs SYD
A-League Men
Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland
Men
Men
Auckland FC
vs
Sydney FC
1
FT
0
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 1 - 0
That wraps up our coverage of this A League Men's clash between Auckland FC and Sydney FC. Thank you for joining me, Zak Brown on Tribe!
As for Auckland FC, they could not have asked for a better start to life in the A League. Two wins at home to nil puts them in pole position, ready for a mouth-watering New Zealand derby against Wellington Phoenix next up.
The result is incredibly harsh on Sydney FC, who were finishing the game the stronger of the two teams. As well as losing this game at the death, they will have to contend with the injuries to Joe Lolley and Corey Hollman, who were both forced off the pitch early. The Sky Blues will be able to stew the game over on their flight back over The Tasman, but they will want to quickly move on and focus their attention on their next game away to Brisbane Roar.
AUCKLAND FC GO TOP OF THE LEAGUE! Despite a stalemate for the opening 80 minutes, the game really sprung to life in the final stages. Hayden Matthews thought he had scored his first A League Men's goal, as well as firing his Sydney FC side in front, but a lengthy VAR check ruled the goal out due to an offside against Patryk Klimala. Despite both teams continuing to give it their all, the game looked to be heading towards a draw. That was until Auckland FC earned a free kick approaching the final minute of stoppage time, which was converted by Nando Pijnaker after an instinctive backheel inside the six yard box. The timing of the goal meant that Sydney FC did not have enough time to respond, with The Black Knights holding out for one more phase of play before the full-time whistle was blown.
90+9'
Tommy Smith is thrown on for the final moments of the game in place of Felipe Gallegos, as Auckland look to defend their lead at all costs for whatever time remains in this game.
T. Smith
F. Gallegos
90+9'
90+7'
PIJNAKER WINS IT AT THE DEATH FOR AUCKLAND! Jake Brimmer's inswinging free kick causes all sorts of trouble inside Sydney's six yard box. The ball looks to have taken a deflection off Nando Pijnaker, before dropping down next to the Auckland FC defender. He instinctively produces a backheel, which squeezes through the legs of Andrew Redmayne and just over the goal line before it can be cleared, sending the home fans into raptures!
1
-
0
N. Pijnaker
Assist: J. Brimmer
90+7'
90+6'
A Rhyan Grant handball gives Auckland FC a superb opportunity from a free kick on the left wing, as we approach the final minute of the game.