Auckland City's South African goal-grabbers Grant Young and Keryn Jordan yesterday broke YoungHeart Manawatu hearts, scoring a goal each half to earn their side another shot at the big time.
City shrugged off the disadvantage of playing away from home to beat Manawatu 3-1 at Palmerston North's FMGStadium in the New Zealand Football Championship preliminary final.
The win books City a place in next month's final against long-time rivals Waitakere United in a replay of the season one decider with City needing to win to claim New Zealand's second spot in next summer's O-League.
In a tough, often physical contest, City called on all their experience and recent run of good results to see off Shane Rufer's side.
A well-finished individual effort from Young 11 minutes before halftime gave the visitors the advantage.
In pouncing on a defensive error and drilling a long range shot into the Manawatu goal two minutes into the second spell, Jordan gave the small band of City supporters plenty to cheer about.
Those celebrations were quickly muted when Gustavo Saralegui, who won a spot in the Manawatu starting line-up with Solomon Islander Nelson Sale ruled out with a broken leg, scored from close range a minute later after good work from Benjamin Totori.
The home side were caught out in stoppage time when Jonathan Smith headed home from close range to ensure City's ticket to the final.
City must now beat Waitakere United in the North Harbour Stadium final on April 16 if they are to claim a third straight shot at the Oceania National League.
Waitakere, as minor premieres, are already assured of their O-League spot. If they beat Auckland City in the final, Manawatu, as runners-up in the round-robin, would claim the second spot and a second O-League campaign.
Before the cross-town rivals meet in the season finale, they will clash in what promises to be the game of the season at Kiwitea St on April 4.
At stake will be the top spot in group A of the O-League. That winner will play group B winner Ba (Fiji) home and away to find the Oceania representative in the Club World Cup in December.
