Auckland FC reaffirmed their league-leading form with an emphatic 1-4 victory over the Central Coast Mariners, bouncing back from last week’s setback.
Tactical adjustments by head coach Steve Corica, including the return of Tommy Smith at center-back and Hiroki Sakai’s shift to right-back, proved pivotal as Auckland delivered a commanding performance. Sakai opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, heading in a well-timed cross from Francis de Vries, only for the Mariners to equalize three minutes later through Alfie McCalmont’s deflected strike.
Jake Brimmer restored Auckland’s lead with a stunning volley in the 31st minute, followed by Guillermo May’s clinical finish in the 39th, giving the visitors a 3-1 cushion at halftime.
The Mariners pushed hard in the second half, but Auckland’s defense, bolstered by a tactical shift to five at the back, stood firm. Substitute Logan Rogerson sealed the victory with a late goal, converting a pinpoint cross from the impressive Gillion, who recorded two assists in the match.
The win sends Auckland into the New Year as league leaders, with head coach Corica savoring a strong response to last week’s disappointment. Auckland now returns home to prepare for a New Year’s Day clash against Melbourne Victory, with fans eager for another thrilling performance from the Black Knights.
