Auckland FC climbed to the top of the A-League with a 1–2 away win over the Central Coast Mariners on Friday night, in a match remembered for an unfortunate own goal by defender Callan Elliot.
Auckland dominated early and took the lead through a composed Randall finish after a slick move involving De Vries, but the Mariners equalised against the run of play when Elliot’s attempted clearance looped into his own net following a VAR-approved build-up.
The decisive moment came just before the hour mark when Sam Cosgrove headed home Lachie Brook’s cross to restore Auckland’s advantage, his fourth goal of the season.
Despite creating further chances, Auckland settled for the single-goal margin, seeing out the match comfortably to claim three points and move top of the table, with rivals Sydney FC still to play.
