Soccer: Young leading race for Golden Boot

A storming second half in which they scored four to beat bottom-placed YoungHeart Manawatu saw New Zealand Football Championship front-runners Auckland City score their 50th goal of the season.

It was a perfect lead-up to the grand final which will also be played at Kiwitea St against either Waitakere United or Waikato FC on March 12.

In scoring City's second goal - from the penalty spot after Paul Urlovic had been brought down - Grant Young took his tally to 15, giving him a one-goal lead in the race for the Golden Boot.

Urlovic had opened City's scoring a minute earlier, his well-taken 14th goal putting him level with Young and Waitakere's Keryn Jordan in the goalscoring race.

The first half, despite a number of half chances, was set to end goalless until Manawatu's Scott Smith caught the City defence napping and played a good ball to Luiz Del Monte, who provided the finishing touch almost a minute into added time.

But Auckland took control when the Urlovic double-act struck five minutes into the second spell. He ran on to a ball nodded through by Young, drew goalkeeper Richard Gillespie and tapped home.

From the restart Urlovic pounced on a weak back-pass and raced into the penalty area, where he was up-ended by Paul Dirou. Young converted the spot-kick.

At 2-1, the home side were in command and Neil Sykes made it 3-1 with a long-range curler. Riki Van Steeden completed the rout.

Little is at stake for Waitakere against Otago United at Trusts Stadium today but try telling that to striker Keryn Jordan.

He needs two goals to edge out Young (15) for the Golden Boot. Meanwhile, Canterbury United play Team Wellington in Christchurch.


- HERALD ON SUNDAY