‘Fans hadn’t even taken their seats!’ Most talked about tactic sensationally exposed in NZ Derby

Twenty-eight seconds. That is all it took for Auckland FC to score against rivals Wellington Phoenix in Saturday’s blockbuster New Zealand Derby.

Wellington’s defensive high line has been the most talked about tactic in the Isuzu UTE A-League this season.

On Saturday, it was exposed by reigning premiers Auckland at Sky Stadium, where English striker Sam Cosgrove was on hand to score from close range inside just 28 seconds before Ifeanyi Eze sensationally equalised in the ninth minute.

“We talked about it being a risky tactic and so it has proven to be,” Sky Sport New Zealand commentator Jason Pine said. “Most fans hadn’t even taken their seats.”

Fellow commentator Jacob Spoonley added: “Wellington’s high risk has become Auckland’s high reward.”

Former Wellington star Paul Ifill continued: “Auckland have been doing their homework all week.”