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How to tune into Sport NationNine-man Auckland FC beat Phoenix in fiery A-League derby
Justin Chadwick, AAP • November 8th, 2025 9:44 pm
Auckland FC have hung on with nine men to win a lively Kiwi derby against the Phoenix in Wellington | Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport
Auckland FC have produced one of the bravest victories in their short A-League Men history, overcoming the blows of two red cards to post a 2-1 win over the Wellington Phoenix in a feisty New Zealand derby.
In a match of high drama and physicality, Auckland scored after just 28 seconds, but they were reduced to nine men after Daniel Hall was given his marching orders in the 49th minute and Logan Rogerson in the 79th.
Wellington pushed hard for the equaliser and created a flurry of chances, the visitors' defence were able to withstand every blow.
The Phoenix ended with 60 per cent possession and had 13 corners to zero, but in the end it counted for nothing.
The win means AFC are four wins from four in New Zealand derbies, but they will be sweating on the fitness of match day skipper Jake Brimmer, who went off in the 75th minute after appearing to dislocate his left shoulder.
Fans were barely settling into their seats when three Auckland attackers beat the hosts' defensive high line to set up Sam Cosgrove for the opening goal in the first minute.
Jesse Randall provided the assist after receiving the ball over the top, with his squared pass resulting in an easy tap-in for Cosgrove.
Wellington's reply in the ninth minute was spectacular, with Ifeanyi Eze picking off a wayward Auckland pass before unleashing a mesmerising strike from outside the box.
Randall was proving hard to stop, and he put Auckland ahead in the 34th minute when he broke the high line again before racing forward to dink the goalkeeper.
Although Cosgrove was officially awarded the goal after getting a thigh to the ball on the line while attempting to shepherd out a defender, it was Randall who rightfully received all the praise.
The first half was a physical affair, but tensions rose even further after the break as both sides tried to assert their physical dominance.
Hall was handed a straight red card in the 49th minute for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity by bringing down substitute Corban Piper as he raced towards goal.
And Auckland FC coach Steve Corica kicked an object on the sidelines in frustration when Rogerson was sent off for a dangerous studs-up sliding tackle with 11 minutes remaining in regulation time.
It meant the Black Knights had to scrap for survival, and they achieved it with aplomb.
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