Auckland City make sure of Grand Final berth while Olympic edge closer

posted in: Men's National League, News |

Defending champions Auckland City have clinched their place in the Grand Final of this year’s Men’s National League with a 2-0 win against bottom side Petone.

The win gives the Navy Blues an unassailable passage to the final on Sunday November 26, with third-placed Christchurch United losing 5-2 to 10-man Wellington Olympic.

Olympic now need two points from their two remaining matches to join Auckland City in a replay of last year’s Grand Final.

Those games are against Auckland City at Kiwitea St next weekend, followed by a home match against the Wellington Phoenix Reserves.

The 2023 final has been booked for Auckland’s Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, the same venue where Auckland took the national title last December.

Auckland City beat Petone with a goal in each half.

The first was scored by striker Angus Kilkolly and was his 50th for the club.

Main photo: Angus Killolly scored his sixth goal of the season with the opener against Petone. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.

Futsal Whites captain Dylan Manickum made sure of the win with a goal in stoppage time.

*Gavin Hoy (right) scored his fourth goal in successive games for Olympic, stretching their first-half lead to 3-0.*

Wellington Olympic raced to a 3-0 win in the first quarter of their game against Christchurch United, with Gianni Bouzoukis scoring his 100th goal for the club.

However, Joe Hopper was given a straight red by referee Matt Conger, leaving Olympic to play the final hour a man short.

Christchurch United pulled back two goals to make the score 3-2.

Olympic nerves were quickly settled with goals from Jack Cawley and Kailan Gould.

Results

Games played on Saturday November 4, 2023

Wellington Olympic 5 (Gianni Bouzoukis 3′, Ben Mata 6′, Gavin Hoy 24′, Jack Cawley 60′, Kailan Gould 83′)
Christchurch United 2 (Eoghan Stokes 51′, Sam Philip 58′)

READ: Wellington Olympic’s match programme for Christchurch United game >>>>