Hiroki Sakai celebrates a goal with Luis Leiva against Central Coast. Photo / Getty Images
Auckland FC 4
Central Coast 1
Auckland FC are back on track.
They have managed an impressive 4-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday, quelling any fears of an impending slide.
There were concerns raised after last week’s embarrassing 4-0 loss to Western United, in a listless performance that surprised both external and internal observers. It looked out of character and so it proved – as the Black Knights snapped back into form against the defending A-League champions.
It means they will top the table come the New Year, a remarkable feat for the expansion club. The Mariners are a shadow of their former selves but this was still a tricky assignment against a desperate team, while punishing heat and humidity added to the equation.
But Auckland FC came through. After Hiroki Sakai’s 12th-minute opener, Central Coast found an equaliser through Alfie McCalmont just three minutes later. But further first-half strikes to Jake Brimmer – one of the best of the season – and Guillermo May created a handy halftime buffer.
The second half was a struggle, as Auckland’s passive approach allowed the Mariners to take the initiative. They withstood long spells of pressure – though their defence was resolute – before Logan Rogerson made the game safe in the 84th minute.
Overall, it was another emphatic display. They were clinical when necessary – albeit aided by some poor Mariners defending – and maintained good structure in possession in the first period. The second half was a different story - as Auckland FC are still learning about the realities of playing on the road and in the Australian summer - but their spirit never waned.
The defensive unit was strong – with Sakai again prominent and Tommy Smith doing well in his first start – and the midfield provided a effective shield in front, while vice-captain Brimmer enjoyed some influential moments, after questions had been raised about his recent input.
Coach Steve Corica opted to use Smith at centre back, restoring Sakai to the right in an otherwise unchanged starting XI.
The first goal was a crisp team move. Brimmer found Francis De Vries with an inch-perfect 40m diagonal ball. The fullback controlled well, before a pinpoint lob – with his weaker right foot – and Sakai leapt like a salmon to power home a header.
Their joy was short-lived, however, with a poor concession for McCalmont’s goal. There was a slice of luck, with a heavy deflection, but it was naïve defending to leave players free on the edge of the area from an attacking free kick.
That goal came against the run of play. Auckland were dominant but didn’t have much to show for it. That changed with Brimmer’s intervention, a moment of class from the former Melbourne Victory player, with a delicate angled volley from 15m. He didn’t hit it hard but didn’t need to, with the timing and placement outfoxing goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen.
Auckland’s third – in the 39th minute – was reward for persistence, as a De Vries cross caused confusion in the Mariners defence, with May on hand to tap home.
The match opened up after the break, becoming much more transitional than Auckland would have liked. They struggled to retain possession, which invited pressure, although they mainly held the Mariners at arm’s length.
Alex Paulsen was forced into a fingertip save from a stinging Mikael Doka drive, while they had to repel some dangerous crosses. Auckland fell into the trap of trying to defend their lead – sitting back – and were edged in the 50-50 duels.
The Black Knights switched to a back five with 20 minutes to play, with Scott Galloway introduced for Brimmer. There were precious few opportunities, although Liam Gillion almost set up May. Just when things were getting a little nervy, Rogerson’s strike ended any doubt.
It was another sweet move, with Gillion releasing Mata, whose precise swinging cross took out two defenders, with Rogerson on hand to finish at the far post.
Central Coast Mariners 1 (Alfie McCalmont 15′)
Auckland FC 4 (Hiroki Sakai 12′, Jake Brimmer 31′, Guillermo May 39′, Logan Rogerson 84′)
Halftime: 1-3
All the action as Auckland FC recovered with a convincing win over Central Coast Mariners.