A-League Round 3 - Wellington Phoenix 0-2 Auckland FC - 02/11/2024.

Photo highlights from Saturday’s A-League Round 3 clash between the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC which was played at packed a packed-out Sky Stadium.

The occasion of the first ever professional Kiwi Football derby was not a classic by any means however given what was at stake – it was a gripping encounter nonetheless, with a memorable finish thanks to a late brace from Jake Brimmer who first capitalised on a lapse of concentration from the Wellington Phoenix goal keeper Joshua Oluwayemi who passed the ball straight to Brimmer who fired home to open the scoring and create a moment of history in New Zealand football, the second three minutes later a tap in after fantastic work from Luis Toomey who raced down the wing and cut back a pass to set up his teammate to seal the three points and maintain Auckland’s 100% record.

The Phoenix had their chances with Kosta Barbarouses and new signing Hideki Ishige who headed over from a few metres, but overall it was Auckland who controlled the match and managed the occasion well and dictated proceedings throughout the match.

The other factor that added spice to the occasion was the return of goalkeeper Alex Paulsen after his summer move to premier league side Bournemouth and then controversially loaned from the cherries to Auckland who are both owned by American billionaire Bill Foley. Before Kick-off Paulsen had been unsure what kind of reception he would get but it wasn’t friendly, with hearty boos every time he was close to the ball.

The opening proceedings were fiesty with several heavy challenges being made from both sides. However it was ultimately Auckland who would come out on top to win the first ever professional kiwi football derby. The return fixture in Auckland should be a spicy encounter.

Result:

Wellington Phoenix 0-2 Auckland FC

Photo's were taken for Speed Media AU / Iconsportswire

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