AUCKLAND, New Zealand (PS) —
Auckland City FC surged from behind to earn a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fencibles United on Saturday night, keeping pace at the top of the Northern League standings.

The Navy Blues were sparked by standout forward Angus Kilkolly, who played a pivotal role in City’s second-half goals at Riverhills Park.

From the outset, Auckland City set the tone with Kilkolly forcing Fencibles goalkeeper Nicholas Burke into early action. At the same time, David Yoo and Haris Zeb narrowly missed opportunities to open the scoring. However, Fencibles remained dangerous on the counterattack, and City’s goalkeeper Conor Tracey was called upon to deny Russell Currie in a crucial one-on-one just before halftime.

Fencibles broke through early in the second half when Aston Burns finished off a swift counterattack to put the hosts ahead, igniting the home crowd.

City head coach Paul Posa responded decisively, making a triple substitution that injected new energy into the visitors’ attack. The changes paid immediate dividends when, in the 74th minute, Kilkolly found the equalizer. Linking up with Adam Mitchell and Yoo, Kilkolly’s shot deflected off Jay Grubjesic and into the Fencibles’ net.

Just six minutes later, the comeback was complete. Substitute Jerson Lagos teed up Kilkolly, who made no mistake with a composed finish to hand Auckland City all three points.

The win brings Auckland City level on points with league leaders Tauranga City, who edged Birkenhead United 1-0 earlier in the day.

Elsewhere around the league, Eastern Suburbs suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at home to bottom-placed Manurewa. Western Springs blanked Bay Olympic 3-0, Auckland United were held to a 1-1 draw by East Coast Bays, and Auckland FC Reserves fell 2-1 to West Coast Rangers.

Auckland City will next face Auckland FC Reserves on Saturday, May 3, at Kiwitea Street, with kickoff set for 3 p.m., as they aim to continue their push for the Northern League summit.

Match Summary

Northern League, Round 7
Saturday, April 26 | Riverhills Park

Fencibles United 1 (Aston Burns 51’)
Auckland City FC 2 (Jaymis Grubjesic own goal 74’, Angus Kilkolly 80’)
Halftime: 0-0

Auckland City FC lineup:

1. Conor Tracey (GK), 2. Mario Ilich (C), 3. Adam Mitchell, 5. Nikko Boxall, 8. Gerard Garriga (30. Jackson Manuel 82′), 9. Angus Kilkolly, 13. Nathan Lobo, 15. Jeremy Foo (16. Joe Lee 64’), 21. Adam Bell (17. Jerson Lagos 64’), 26. David Yoo, 27. Haris Zeb (19. Matt Ellis 64’)
   Substitutes not used: 24. Nathan Garrow (GK)