Soccer: Hat-trick of hat-tricks put Jordan on higher level

Last season he was the subject of abuse from Auckland City fans but how they love Keryn Jordan now.

The former South African striker moved in the off-season from cross-town rivals Waitakere United and the switch has proved more than beneficial for the defending champions, considering Jordan has scored more goals than entire teams in the NZFC.

Yesterday Jordan scored his third hat-trick of the season and second in successive weeks to take his tally to 17 in 12 games.

Most strikers consider a goal every other game to be a good return but the tally of last season's joint top goalscorer would suggest John Adshead's decision to overlook him for the Knights was something of a mistake - though hindsight is a wonderful thing.

"At the beginning of the season I was hoping for another 15 but, the way things are going now, I'm hoping to get anything between 25 or 35 goals," Jordan said with a confident laugh. If he did, with nine games of the regular season left, Auckland City would rate their chances of defending their title and claiming a spot at the Oceania Club Championships.

"I feel like I'm in a zone, although I don't know how its happening. It seems to be coming freely at the moment but I think when you are enjoying your game, you don't feel any pressure. This club is a different class, I could see that last year."

The first of Jordan's goals yesterday came courtesy of a 23rd-minute penalty, the second when he turned All Whites defender Steven Old and blasted past Michael Utting four minutes later. The third, perhaps the best, came after he outsprinted Mark Tesar down the left flank and struck a left-footed strike past a hapless Utting.

Manawatu could perhaps have felt a little unlucky trailing 3-1 at halftime, considering they had controlled large periods of the opening 45 minutes and had actually taken the lead in the 19th minute when former All Whites striker Campbell Banks finished off a well-constructed move.

Their performance in the opening period and the Solomon Island livewires Commins Menapi and Banjamin Totori (making his NZFC debut) in particular, caused some headaches for the Auckland defence. Banks also proved a nuisance for the home side. He had one header cleared off the line and drew a number of saves from City keeper Ross Nicholson.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert and his assistant Brian Turner were in the crowd of 1200 to keep a close eye on James Pritchett and Steven Old, who had a good game on a losing side. But while he's not likely to be named in their first squad of the year on Tuesday, they might have taken more than a passing interest in Banks.

For all of Manawatu's industry, Auckland were too clinical, breaking with precision and playing in a way Jordan described as "like a Porsche".

The second half lacked the spark of the first but the players could be excused given the hot conditions. Banks and Auckland substitute Paul Urlovic had the best chances before Chad Coombes killed the game off with a well-timed left-foot volley in the 73rd minute.

While Auckland took the points, Jordan took the plaudits.

"The golden boot is important to me," he admitted. "I like to leave a legacy behind at clubs or leagues and I'd like to set a benchmark for players in future national leagues."

The way he's going, it might be a tally difficult to catch.

In yesterday's other game, Hawke's Bay and Waikato drew 1-1 in Napier.


NZFC
Auckland City 4
Manawatu 1

- HERALD ON SUNDAY