Problem is two of their best players can't make the starting 11.
Swapping striker Doney for Sugden would make a huge difference. Doney's big but a bit slow and stands off - just not effective up front. Surprisingly weak in the air. Not skilful enough to be striker - he looks more like a defender. Sugden's determined and skilful - more an attacking mid than a striker, but always looks dangerous and creates chances. When he's on. Has a fierce shot.
When he's on he takes the set pieces - ever noticed how it's usually one of the team's best players who takes the set pieces?
Same old NZ problem of picking the biggest players instead of the best ones. Except the goalie, who looks a bit short. Which is the reason a pretty average free kick from Auckland City went in.
Just before half time, Wanderers took a free kick on the edge of the box - no problem for the keeper.
At half time, Sugden curled a beautiful practice free kick from the same position hard into the top corner of the net. Keeper had no chance.
It's the same problem the Phoenix had - ok in general play but not scoring. Wrong striker. Brockie was badly off form, and the answer - Boyd and Ifill - sat on the bench.
And what happened to Messenger? Injured? Left?
Maybe Bazeley and Gerdsen are giving everyone a go and don't care about the results. The results suggest that.