After 34 days away Auckland FC returned to Go Media Stadium where over 13,000 fans braved heavy rain to watch the Black Knights secure a 2-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets.
Both teams initially struggled with slippery conditions, but Auckland soon found their rhythm.
Stand-in captain Jake Brimmer, supported by a solid midfield and standout performances from scholarship player Liam Gillion, dictated play. Despite relentless pressure and missed opportunities in the first half, Auckland’s dominance persisted, with goalkeeper Alex Paulsen and defenders like Dan Hall ensuring a clean sheet.
The breakthrough came late, with Neyder Moreno scoring a stunning volley in the 84th minute, followed by a deflected effort from Francis de Vries securing the win after a nervy VAR check.
Auckland’s defense, though altered by the absence of captain Hiroki Sakai, remained impenetrable, keeping their streak alive. With this result, Auckland FC maintains their position at the top of the league and edges closer to setting a record for the most clean sheets at the start of an A-League Men’s season.
