Soccer: Urlovic ups ante for Auckland

Auckland City beat Canterbury United 3-0 in the national league yesterday to open up a three-point gap over Waitakere United at the top of the table.

Two first-half goals from Paul Urlovic saw the northerners take the lead against the run of play in the first half.

Although Canterbury looked strong in attack early on and had one shot tipped over the post and another cleared off the line, Auckland City proved more effective in midfield and went ahead when Urlovic took advantage of some poor Canterbury defence in the 15th minute. He added another in the 32nd minute when he ran on to a cross from substitute Glen Eie.

Paul Seaman put the result beyond doubt with a fine strike in the 50th minute.

Auckland City assistant coach Craig Alexander said his side's defence was outstanding and he was delighted with where the result put them heading into the business end of the season.

"If we can pick up another three points against Otago, that will put us in the box seat with four games of the season to go," Alexander said.

Riki Van Steeden, who missed the Canterbury game through suspension, will come into the side for tomorrow's game against Otago in Invercargill. He will replace Liam Mulrooney, who was taken to hospital yesterday with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

Waikato came from a goal behind to draw 1-1 in their match with Otago in Invercargill last night.

Otago led 1-0 at halftime through a Blair Scoullar 34th-minute penalty, with Colin Gardyne scoring an equaliser in the 65th minute.

Waikato had been the form side of the competition having won their previous five matches to make up ground on Auckland and Waitakere.

They have a chance to get back to winning ways when they take on Canterbury in Christchurch tomorrow night. Waitakere will be without midfielder Jeremy Christie, who serves the second of a two-match suspension after receiving his seventh booking of the season, when they host Napier City at Waitakere Stadium today (4pm).

However, they do welcome back All White Gerard Davis from injury, while leading goalscorer Keryn Jordan is expected to play, despite being forced to limp out of last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Team Wellington with a hamstring injury.

Waitakere can draw level with Auckland City at the top if they win, although Auckland will have a game in hand.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY