Auckland FC are within touching distance of the A-League Men’s top spot after a dominant 5-0 victory over the Wellington Phoenix in the New Zealand derby on Saturday. The result was significantly influenced by a calamitous own goal from Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi.
The incident occurred in the 24th minute at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich launched a long clearance, catching Oluwayemi out of position. The 24-year-old goalkeeper, attempting to head the ball clear, instead directed it into his own net, gifting Auckland an early lead.
The own goal proved to be a turning point, with Auckland extending their advantage before halftime. Jesse Randall scored twice, including a chipped effort over Oluwayemi, who was described as being “stranded in no-man’s land,” before Guillermo May added a fourth in the 41st minute.
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano reacted to the first-half collapse by substituting Oluwayemi at halftime, bringing on Alby Kelly-Heald. Despite the change, Auckland continued to control the match, with Lachlan Brook scoring his eighth goal of the season in the 74th minute to complete the rout.
Auckland FC have now won all six of their derby matches against Wellington. The victory moves Steve Corica’s side to within one point of league leaders Newcastle, who play Macarthur on Sunday. Wellington, meanwhile, have dropped to 10th in the league and have only won one of their last six games under Italiano.
Phoenix captain Alex Rufer apologized to fans after the defeat, stating, “We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough.”
Auckland coach Steve Corica emphasized the importance of the three points in the context of the league standings.
