Football: Auckland and Wellington edge toward final

Nathaniel Bowen and Adam McGeorge in action during the ASB Premiership, Semi Final Leg 1, Waitakere United v Auckland City FC, Fred Taylor Park, Auckland. Photo: Dave Mackay

Auckland City's powerful run towards the ASB Premiership final continued today with a 2-0 win over rivals Waitakere United in the first leg of their semifinal clash at Fred Taylor Park.

First-half goals to Ryan De Vries and Oscar Garcia saw the defending champions notch their the 11th straight victory and take control of the tie ahead of next Sunday's return leg at Kiwitea St.

Auckland were always favourites in the 51st Super City derby, suffering only two defeats en route to the minor premiership and rounding out the regular season 16 points clear of fourth-placed Waitakere.

But the home side started the stronger side before being made to pay for a couple of early misses when De Vries struck on the half hour, slotting home from close range against his former side. And Garcia doubled that advantage just before the break, giving Auckland an advantage they wouldn't squander.

"They played a good 25 minute spell in the first half and they had a few chances," said City coach Ramon Tribulietx. "After that I think we started taking control of possession which is one of the big things for us.

"We know nothing is finished yet and we've got to make sure we recover well because I'm sure it will be a very difficult game again."

Waitakere United player-coach Brian Shelley said it was frustrating to fall behind after controlling much of the first half but, with 90 minutes still to play, he was pleased his side managed to limit the damage.

"At halftime we said the worst case scenario is that we keep it at two goals and we're still in the game next week," he said. "I thought in the last 20 they showed their experience and they kept the ball and they were willing to take a two-goal lead back to Kiwitea Street.

"But I think we're still in the game and there were enough positives in our game today. We'll go there next week and have a go."

In the other semifinal at Bluewater Stadium, Team Wellington moved a step closer to reaching their second-straight final, earning a 2-1 away win over Hawkes Bay United.

A goal in each half from Solomon Islands striker Henry Fa'arodo saw off the home side and gave Wellington a narrow advantage heading back to David Farrington Park for next week's second leg.

Fa'arodo opened the scoring in the eighth minute, tucking home the rebound from an Alex Fenderidis free kick which crashed back off the upright. Hawkes Bay stuck to their task and drew level 10 minutes before the break when Saul Halpin converted from the spot after referee Campbell-Kirk Waugh saw a push in the area.

But Fa'arodo provided the decisive goal in the 7th minute when he finished an excellent cross from Cory Chettleburgh at the near post to put the visitors up 2-1 and with the added advantage of having two away goals in the bank.