Auckland FC secured a dramatic 2-0 victory over PNG Hekari FC, with both goals coming in during the 12 minutes of extra time to maintain their unbeaten start in Round 2 of the OFC Pro League.

Captain Reid Drake, who was named player of the match, credited the team’s persistence and bench strength for turning the game around.

“PNG Hekari were excellent and gave us some difficult moments, but I was really pleased with how positive our players were,” he said.

“We had a really good impact on the bench, and I am proud the team was able to get a couple of goals in the middle of the week.”

Drake highlighted the challenge of adapting to the Port Moresby heat after arriving from New Zealand just days earlier.

“It is obviously very warm, and we are not used to playing week-in, week-out in this climate, but we have some experienced players who have been in PNG or the Solomons before.”

“We passed that knowledge on, and the boys did a great job accepting the conditions and playing our way.”

Meanwhile, Coach Luke Casserly echoed those sentiments, praising the team’s resilience. 

“Very hard fought,” Casserly expressed.

“We knew it was going to be a challenging match in front of their home supporters.”

“It is certainly a very good learning experience for our players, and I am delighted to get the points.”

The team also drew motivation from a personal loss in the squad, with one player dedicating his goal to a late grandfather. 

“That’s the culture within the group,” Coach Casserly said. 

“We do this for everyone in the club - the players, staff, and family. We are all very proud.”

Furthermore, Auckland FC now turn their attention to recovery and preparation for their remaining fixtures, with Casserly emphasizing nutrition, rest, and ice baths as part of the process.