Auckland City vs Bay Olympic [2-1]
Headed down to Kiwitea St yesterday,
Thoroughly enjoyed the game and the most entertaining Northern League game I've seen so far. With the league title and national league spot already confirmed for the home team and Bay too far off the pace for a top 4 spot. The game had little meaning in the a wide context.
Recap
Former City players Mulrooney & Pritchett had Bay setup well, sitting deep. City didn't field their strongest team but by no means a weak team. Bay stifled the opposition for the first 30 minutes or so, keeping compact line's and looking for a quick counter. They were awarded in the 36th minute on the counter when #3 Jack Duncan was brought down in the box by #12 Sam Brotherton. Dispatched calmy by former City player Darren White the visitors lead 1-0 into the break.
Into the second half Bay invited more and more pressure onto themselves and when #20 Emiliano Tade entered the counter his flair gave the visitors another dimension and in the 65th minute picked up the ball in a dangerous area outside the box and went at the back line and expertly placing it beyond #23 Hideyasu Sasaki. City continued to pile the pressure on and Bay Olympic looked inevitable to concede again. Standing at only 5'7-5'8 Bay Olympic goalkeeper #23 Hideyasu Sasaki was unable to keep out a inswinging corner from Cam Howieson that went directly in from the corner. Bay quickly pivoted to a 3-5-2 making 3 personal changes. Throwing men forward; They were inches away when a swift counter attack interchange wide on the right between #4 Callum Mcniell and substitute #15 Connor Turton ended in a driven ball across the face of goal that #6 Jaden Scott was unable to reach, throwing his left boot out. City then swiftly went up the other end with the last kick of the game and were unable to find the net.
Match Notes
- A carpet of a pitch at Kiwitea St made for a great game.
- Goalkeeper #23 Hideyasu Sasaki from Japan is one of the most technically gifted goalkeepers I've seen at this level. What he lacks in height is made up for in ability out of his feet and passion however speaking little english.
Player Ratings
U-20's
Adam Johnston 7.5/10 Up against Joe Lee gave him little in the first half and was beaten once. However looked afraid to make an impact on the ball.
Hameed Basiri 8.5/10 Workhorse in the midfield had Cam Howieson quiet in the first half and always looking to create or put his body on the line.
Matt Ellis 7/10 Struggled to create or have any real impact on the game today. Has shown lots of potential in other matches and is a standout @U-23.
Joe Lee 7.5/10 Very quick and exciting however lacked a cutting edge. Johnston, who is not a natural fullback did very well against who I think is the best U-20.
Noteable
Callum Mcniell 9/10 started at RB however a useful CB, Technically gifted packaged with lots of pace, quality performance.
Cam Howieson 8/10 showed sparks of why he could do at a higher level. So composed on the ball, wish he would get his shot at the Phoenix.
Ryan De Vries 7.5/10 quiet today, however always showing levels when he gets on the ball. Looks like he's playing with boys at times.