Auckland Utd screamer the catalyst for Southern loss

You cannot say Southern United do not put up a good fight.

Auckland United were always going to be tough as they continued their push for a National League three-peat, but Southern were up for the challenge on the road.

They put in a mammoth defensive effort in the first half — and also controlled some nice attacking phases — to keep the scores level 0-0 at halftime.

But a 56th-minute screamer from Auckland captain Talisha Green was the catalyst for a 2-0 Auckland victory at Keith Hay Park on Saturday.

Auckland are unbeaten with one round left and are searching for a third straight title, after beating Southern 2-0 in 2023 and Waterside Karori 3-1 in 2024 to lift the trophy.

Georgia Nixon was in the thick of everything for Southern on Saturday, goalkeeper Lauren Paterson made some fine saves and Madi McLean worked hard.

They were without some firepower at the front with Amy Hislop out and Toni Power missing from the defence.

Former Wanaka footballer Kiera Bercelli, who plays professionally in Italy, was effervescent for Auckland and Rene Wasi was busy down the flanks.

Southern held most of the possession in the opening quarter. They stole a lot of ball off Auckland but just could not find the final pass into the final third to finish anything off.

Auckland struggled to penetrate through Southern’s defence and their accuracy was off on their crosses into the box.

Their best chance came in the 39th minute.

Wasi sent her cross flying and Chloe Knott’s header hit the crossbar. It bounced back to Shev Edwards, who tried to put it away before Paterson put a stop to it.

Southern should take a lot of heart from that first-half performance and keeping the defending champions scoreless.

But Green eventually found the opening. She got around her player and sent a ball flying into the box from about 25m out.

It went high over all the defenders and slipped over the top of Paterson to open the scoring.

Southern’s best chance to equalise came in the 70th minute.

Georgia Keen took a free kick just outside the box, which was well-defended by Auckland’s wall.

It was deflected out wide and Nixon pounced and sent her cross in, but it was saved by Auckland goalkeeper Hannah Mitchell.

The visitors were dealt a blow with a serious injury to replacement Florence Macintyre, who was stretchered from the field with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Auckland added a second goal in stoppage time. Ellie La Monte had a brilliant quick touch into the box, put the ball square and Emma Rolston finished.

Southern are back home this weekend for their final game against Western Springs.

In the other games, West Coast Rangers and Eastern Suburbs battled to a 0-0 draw, Canterbury United Pride beat Petone 2-0, Wellington United thumped Central 9-0, and Wellington Phoenix scored a late winner to beat Western Springs 3-2.