Soccer: Auckland City lucky leaders

Auckland City used a stack of "get out of jail free" cards in holding on to a 2-1 win over a brave Team Wellington at Kiwitea St yesterday.

The New Zealand Football Championship front-runners can thank goalkeeper Ross Nicholson for some outstanding saves.

The first half-hour was dominated by Wellington with the lively Daniel Keat the inspiration. But their possession counted for nothing as, in the 36th minute, Jonathan Smith gathered for the home side and pushed the ball to James Pritchett. He played the ball back to Smith who turned and snapped a shot which surprised goalkeeper Sacha Nathu.  

City's second goal, just before halftime, came when referee Alan Martin awarded a free-kick near halfway. Riki Van Steeden pumped the ball deep, Smith met it superbly to head across the face of goal and Paul Urlovic volleyed home.

Led by some inspirational play from David Johnston, the visitors dominated the second spell. Johnston was eventually rewarded after 78 minutes when substitute Geoff Brown and Graham Little provided the build-up and Johnston the finish for a richly-deserved goal.

Further chances for Johnston and Brown were magically kept out by Nicholson. Michael Wilson, who had been denied when Nicholson tipped over for a corner, fired a well-struck corner on to the far post but could only watch as the ball ricocheted back into the field of play.

The win keeps City at the top of the table and adds even more spice to next week's much-awaited clash with Waitakere United at the same ground. Team Wellington also have something to look forward to - a Friday home game against third-placed Waikato FC.

Depending on other results to help out in their bid for third place, Wellington coach Mick Waitt was obviously disappointed with his team's first loss since the Christmas break. He is promising Waikato more of what his team handed Auckland City yesterday. Waikato continued their long unbeaten run with a 0-0 draw against bottom-placed YoungHeart Manawatu in Mt Maunganui yesterday.

Like Wellington, Waikato dominated but could not turn possession into goals with in-form Colin Gardyne and Adam Crump having the best chances. The visitors came closest midway through the second spell but Peter Halstead muffed his shot.