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BIR vs AKC
National League Championship
North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Men's
1st Team
Men's
1st Team
Birkenhead United
vs
Auckland City
1
FT
2
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 1 - 2
An extra-time winner from Angus Kilkolly has helped Auckland City to a dramatic victory over Birkenhead United in the 2024 Men's National League final. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from both finals today at North Harbour Stadium. For now, Harrison Ryburn signing out.
After a fantastic Men's National League season, that was a more than fitting finale. It really could've swung either way, and both sides created their fair share of chances, with both keepers excelling, particuarly Silvio Rodic in the Birkenhead goal. The possession-based game of Auckland City left them on the front foot for long periods, leaving Birko to strike on the counter-attack. But it remained a very even affair, and Paul Hobson's side put together a couple of good opportunities with the pace and strength of Monty Patterson up front, supported by the likes of Connolly, Putt, and Hughes throughout. The big-game experience of the Navy Blues ultimately shone through though, and Kilkolly continued his rich vein of scoring form against Birkenhead to pop up with the winner. It was an almighty test, but City regain the National League title.
Fulltime at North Harbour Stadium and Auckland City have come through 120 minutes to fend off Birkenhead United and claim a record-extending tenth Men's National League crown. It was a hard-fought affair from start to finish, with both sides trading goals in the first half. A diving header from Monty Patterson gave Birko the lead, but City reponded moments before the break to level it up with an own goal from captain Luke Jorgensen. Either team had the chance to win it inside the full ninety, but it was the substitutes who provided the difference for the Navy Blues, Dylan Manickum and Angus Kilkolly combining to score the winner late in extra-time. The result makes up for Auckland City's defeat on this ground in the Chatham Cup final earlier this season, and they return the National League trophy to the cabinet at Kiwitea Street after losing it last season.
AUCKLAND CITY ARE THE 2024 MEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
120+4'
SECOND YELLOW FOR PALMER! Birkenhead are reduced to ten with seconds left on the clock! Palmer cleans out De Vries on halfway, and the referee has no choice but to show him a second yellow. It looks as though it will finish on a sour note for Birko, and that will take more time off the clock.
M. Palmer
120+4'
120+3'
Tracey launches the ball long downfield, and it looks as if Birkenhead are going to fall by the wayside after a titanic battle. They win a throw down the left as they attempt to inspire one last attack. Reid and Putt combine, before the latter cuts inside towards the box. He switches it for Connolly on the right, who's delivery is too high for Patterson.
120+1'
Into four minutes of injury-time, and play eventually resumes. City send it towards the corner flag, where Birkenhead pinch possession and clear. It bounces away over the sideline on halfway, and the Navy Blues soak up more time. Patterson picks up a yellow card for letting out his frustration on the officials.
M. Patterson
120+1'