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AKL vs WUN
A-League Men
Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland
Men
Men
Auckland FC
vs
Western United
0
FT
4
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 0 - 4
That wraps things up from Tribe, but thanks for joining us. This is Ryan Nixon (@NewYorkNixon) signing off.
For Western, it's a win that takes them into the top six, and they'll be feeling sky high after scoring four goals in back to back games. They'll be hoping this form can be a catalyst for some momentum into the new year, especially with a fixture against hapless Brisbane Roar on the horizon next Sunday. For Auckland, they remain top for the time being, although could fall to second if the Victory win the Melbourne derby. They've got to turn it around next Saturday with a trip to face the Central Coast.
Auckland threw caution to the wind in the second half, and were improved, as they were able to establish parity in midfield, and find avenues through and in behind the visitors. However, despite creating a number of chances, there was no way past Matt Sutton, who made a number of key saves, while the back four did their job in limiting the quality of those chances. Further forward, the Western forwards kept battling, and with impact off the bench, they were able to eventually find a fourth goal to put the cherry on top.
History made, as Western United earn the first ever victory over new boys Auckland FC, and in fine style! This was not a scoreline that flattered the visitors either, as they were far superior - particularly in the first half. They came to Mt Smart with an incredible energy, swarming Auckland in midfield and absolutely dominating that area of the park. Angus Thurgate was at the heart of that effort as he turned in a wonderful display, and his side were then able to spring forward time and again, establishing a 0-3 lead at the break that saw them all but home with the three points.
90+4'
Ruhs goes for a charge on the right wing and wins a late corner. There's no desire for the Western players to come forward though, and after playing it short full time is blown.
90+3'
Maybe the last chance of the day for Auckland, as they find space down the right. May is the target inside the area, but he slips as he looks to cut it back to a blue and black shirt, and it trickles for a goal kick. That about sums it up...
90+1'
Auckland would love to get something out of this, and they advance down the left with Rogerson to the byline. His cutback is easily dealt with.
+3
90'
SAVE! Western United might not be done! They come charging forward again, with Ruhs released into the area on the left of goal. He chops inside Sakai and tries to bend one home, but pushed away by Paulsen.