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The Wellington Phoenix have lured one of New Zealand’s leading coaches back home to lead the country’s largest private-run academy. Emma Humphries has left her position as the U-17 women’s national team head coach and national development centre director for Canada to be appointed the Phoenix Academy director. LATEST HEADLINES: Second Kiwi Clasico sells out at Mt Smart Black Caps name same XI for second test NZ Sevens teams prepare for Cape Town Steven Alker locked in for 2025 NZ Open NZ Football looking for NZ-eligible players NZ, England docked points for slow overs The former Football Fern replaces Lee Padmore, who resigned from the role last month to spend more time with his family in Christchurch. Humphries has been away from New Zealand for 10 years, during which time she coached Canada at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022 and was the assistant coach at Liverpool FC in the English Women’s Super League for two seasons. She was also the director of women’s football development at Vancouver Whitecaps FC after being a head coach and centre director during her first stint at Vancouver. Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill is thrilled Humphries is joining the club. “Emma is one of New Zealand’s leading coaches and has a passion for youth development, which makes her ideally suited for the academy director role,” Gilll said. “It’s fantastic we’ve been able to bring her home to Wellington to help develop the next generation of Phoenix footballers. “We’re proud of the incredible work all of the staff do at Fraser Park and we all take great delight in seeing players graduate into the professional ranks. “I look forward to Emma taking the academy to whole new level in 2025 and beyond.” Humphries said she “can’t wait” to come home and get started as academy director. “It’s pretty special to come back and play a role in showing the next generation the pathway that exists at the Phoenix and helping them reach their full potential,” Humphries said. “I love the art of making youth players realise what they can be, with a clear view of what it takes to make it at a senior professional level. “I’ve played parts in both, but I think there’s something really special about being able to help youth players reach their full potential. “With a clear identity, alignment and super passionate people I think we can continue to evolve the great work the staff here at the Phoenix have done.” Humphries’ passion for youth development came from her first head coaching job at the Whitecaps youth academy. “I took a group of players for five years from 12 years old to 17 and three of them went on to win a gold medal with the senior national team. “I learnt so much from being on the pitch every day with that group. “Seeing Jordyn Huitema, Julia Grosso and Jayde Riviere realise their potential at the highest level makes you passionate about wanting to do it more. “And coming back the second time to the Whitecaps I’ve had an opportunity to help others to do the same thing that I did on the field and help educate others with my learnings and make more people better.” Humphries is moving back home to Wellington with her family, including six-year-old son Jack. “I had such a happy childhood in New Zealand and I never thought everything would align that I would get to come back and do this and Jack would get to grow up in New Zealand, like I did. “It’s such an amazing opportunity to be able to see him grow up here.” Humphries will officially start the new role when the Phoenix Academy reassembles in the New Year.

The New Zealand Black Sox have dropped their three-game softball series to Australia in Canberra. With preparations underway for the WBSC Softball World Cup Finals next year in Canada, a developmental Black Sox squad fell 2-1 on Monday, with a victory in Game 2, before being blown out in the series decider. LATEST HEADLINES: Second Kiwi Clasico sells out at Mt Smart Black Caps name same XI for second test Humphries returns to head Nix Academy NZ Sevens teams prepare for Cape Town Steven Alker locked in for 2025 NZ Open The current world champion Steelers took the rubber game at the Hawker International Softball Complex 11-1 in five innings. Game 1 was a thriller as both teams strung together three consecutive three-run innings to start the game, making it 9-9 after three. However, a two-out passed ball in the top of the sixth allowed Australia to score the game-winning run, en route to a 10-9 win. In Game 2, New Zealand recovered from an early 2-0 deficit to clinch an 8-5 win over the hosts. Australia loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh, putting the potential game-winning run at the batter's box, but left-handed pitcher Liam Potts struck out Jarrod Bradbury to end the game. The series decider was a one-sided affair, with the Steelers scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fourth and Jack Besgrove pitching a complete game. New Zealand's only run was a solo home-run by Dante Makea Matakatea in the top of the fourth.  New Zealand and Australia will be joined at the 2025 WBSC Softball World Cup in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to be played July 8-13, by world No 1 Argentina, hosts Canada, Japan, Venezuela, USA and Dominican Republic. In the under-23 series, also played on Monday, New Zealand swept Australia with 3-1, 12-3 and 3-2 wins.

The Black Caps and England have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first Test in Christchurch. Both teams have been fined 15 per cent of their match fees and penalised three World Test Championship competition points. LATEST HEADLINES: Grand Slam winners highlight ASB Classic Central Districts to second in Plunket Shield Blair Baxter returns to coaching with Matatu Vodanovich signs with the Tuatara; Airs fined Chiefs Manawa confirm their coaching lineup David Boon of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanctions after both England captain Ben Stokes and New Zealand's Tom Latham’s sides were ruled to be three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Both captains pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton levelled the charges. The second test starts at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

In an unusual move, NZ Football has put out a statement and links for those interested or who have links to be eligible for New Zealand. A number of recent players in the All Whites and Football Ferns have links to overseas, including Football Ferns captain Ali Riley (United States) and Winston Reid (Denmark), who was famously connected via then-TV3 journalist Andrew Gourdie. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ, England docked points for slow overs Grand Slam winners highlight ASB Classic Central Districts to second in Plunket Shield Blair Baxter returns to coaching with Matatu Vodanovich signs with the Tuatara; Airs fined The NZ Football statement reads: ”Representing your country is a proud moment for any player. Ahead of upcoming international football and futsal cycles, New Zealand Football are on a worldwide hunt to ensure we are aware of every player eligible to wear the Fern on the international stage. “New Zealand Football oversees nine national football and futsal teams: the All Whites, Football Ferns, Men’s U-23, U-20, U-17, Women’s U-20, U-17, Futsal Whites, and Futsal Ferns. We are continually seeking the best players to represent us at FIFA and OFC tournaments, as well as international friendlies. “For players based in New Zealand, we have systems and processes in place dedicated to discovering and monitoring top talent. “For players overseas, our high performance department tracks hundreds of players. However, we may not be aware of everyone who could potentially wear the Fern. “If you are playing at a high level and believe you are eligible for New Zealand, or if you know someone in this situation who is not currently being monitored by New Zealand Football, please click on the relevant link to inform us of your eligibility for international selection. “If you are fortunate enough to be considered for selection, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documentation to play for New Zealand. “Every player representing the country — at either age-group or senior level, in football or futsal — must hold a current New Zealand passport. A permanent resident visa is not sufficient, even if you’ve lived in the country for many years. “You must also demonstrate your connection to (New Zealand). This can be through being born here, having a parent or grandparent born here, or having lived here for over five years. “This could be your chance to play at the highest level of the game and help continue to grow the biggest team participation sport in New Zealand.”

The winners of seven Grand Slams, a former No 1 and as a rising Kiwi star highlight the player entry list for the women's 2025 ASB Classic. Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin confirmed on Wednesday the 22 players with direct entry to the WTA 250 event, to be staged December 30-January 5 in Auckland. LATEST HEADLINES: Central Districts to second in Plunket Shield Blair Baxter returns to coaching with Matatu Vodanovich signs with the Tuatara; Airs fined Chiefs Manawa confirm their coaching lineup Former Black Cap named Blaze coach in UK The field is headed with the late confirmation of 21st ranking American Madison Keys, a former US Open finalist. The 29-year-old secured the eighth title of her career at Strasbourg this year. Belgian Elise Mertens is ranked second seed, having won eight titles in her career and has been the top-ranked doubles player has well. Her 2024 season included the quarterfinals in Linz and Charleston, and round of 16 at Indian Wells (losing to Coco Gauff), US Open (losing to Aryna Sabalenka), Stuttgart (losing to Iga Swiatek), Birmingham, Eastbourne, Monastir, and Osaka. American world No 36 Amanda Anisimova is third seed after returning from a break, making the round of 16 at the ASB Classic this year. She made the fourth round at the Australian Open, quarterfinal in Washington, lost to Jessica Pegula in the final in the Toronto Masters and reached the round of 16 in Korea and China. New Zealand star Lulu Sun, now ranked a remarkable 40 in the world, is the fourth seed following her breakthrough season highlighted by making the quarterfinals in Wimbledon and will be wanting home support as she comes back from injury. The 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed, one spot spot ahead of the Japanese superstar Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam Champion and former world No 1, who is making her return to the game following the birth of her daughter. The other Grand Slam winners in the field are popular American Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open winner, making a return to Auckland where she won the ASB Classic in 2016 and compatriot Sofia Kenin, who won the Australian Open in 2020. There are 14 different nationalities, including eight Americans among the 22 players named for the tournament, to highlight the sport’s global depth. Lamperin is delighted with the quality of the field, especially in the tournament calendar rotation that sees the Auckland event starting 30 December, with all players within the top 100 in the world rankings, for a third straight year. “I am very pleased with the quality of the field this year with the winners of seven Grand Slams, a US Open runner-up and a mix of proven performers and some exciting young players. “To have Lulu Sun back home at the tournament as the No 4 seed is evidence of her incredible year, given she was a qualifier at the last ASB Classic. Lulu is an extremely talented and an exciting player. This is a wonderful opportunity for kiwi fans to watch our own New Zealand star playing at home.” There will be a further two New Zealand players given the chance to compete, with a qualifying tournament which starts December 28 and the tournament-proper on December 30. “They won’t be the only kiwis competing, with Erin Routliffe back home to play in the doubles with her regular partner Gabby Dabrowski from Canada after they took out the WTA Finals title recently. “With Erin and Lulu competing, it is a rare chance for fans to watch two of the world’s best from New Zealand competing at our prized WTA Tournament.” Keys entering the tournament makes up for the late withdrawal of Canadian Bianca Andreescu for personal reasons. The men’s ASB Classic will follow from January 6 to 11, with Lamperin highlighting that ticket sales have been extremely strong. The women’s seeded field is (Seed, Name, Country, World Ranking): 1. Madison Keys (USA) 21; 2. Elise Mertens (BEL) 34; 3. Amanda Anisimova (USA) 36; 4. Lulu Sun (NZL) 40; 5. Clara Tauson (DEN) 50; 6. Emma Raducanu (GBR) 59; 7. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 60; 8. Katie Volynets (USA) 61; 9. Julie Grabner (AUT) 73; 10. Bernarda Pera (USA) 74; 11. Lucia Bronzetti (ITA) 77; 12. Sloane Stephens (USA) 78; 13. Erika Andreeva 79; 14. Sofia Kenin (USA) 83; 15. Jacqueline Cristian (ROU) 85; 16. Jule Niemeier (GER) 89; 17. Hailey Baptiste (USA) 90; 18. Greet Minnen (BEL) 93; 19. Ann Li (USA) 94; 20, Xiyu Wang (CHN) 97; 21. Yulia Starodubtseva (UKR) 100; 22. Rebecca Marino (CAN) 101.

Super Rugby centurian and All Black Adam Thomson plus Tonga international Sona Taumalolo have completed the Chiefs Manawa coaching group for the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season. They join fellow former Chiefs, Head Coach Dwayne Sweeney and assistant Carla Hohepa for an experienced quartet in international and domestic rugby. LATEST HEADLINES: Former Black Cap to coach Blaze in UK Hillier best Kiwi man at Australian Open Black Ferns Sevens lose final in Dubai Auckland City claim NLC final in extra-time Cotton burns NZ Breakers in Wildcats loss Thomson played for the Gallagher Chiefs, Rebels, Reds and Highlanders throughout his Super Rugby career, as well as the NZ Barbarians, World XV and All Blacks. After moving to Hamilton for an opportunity with the Gallagher Chiefs in 2020, Thomson played a season for Waikato before hanging up the boots. Turning his focus to coaching he took on an Assistant Coach role with Waikato’s NPC team alongside Sweeney. “I'm excited to join Dwayne Sweeney's coaching team at the Chiefs Manawa in 2025. He's an exceptional head coach, driven to enhance the jersey of the Manawa and shows deep care for his players, staff, and team environment. It is an honour to be a part of his vision to strengthen the legacy of this great club.” A Chief since 2009, Taumalolo was part of the 2012 championship-winning side and played a total of 52 games for the club before heading overseas to play in France. Born in Tonga, he represented his home country for 22 games, as well as the Barbarians and the World XV on the international stage. He is also the uncle of former Gallagher Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna. Taumalolo is thrilled to be part of the coaching lineup and the franchise. “I am grateful to be back with this great club that means so much to me. I am looking forward to working with the players, coaches, and management and having a successful 2025 season.” The Chiefs Manawa team have now begun their pre-season training ahead of their season kickoff on 1 March at FMG Stadium Waikato. Head Coach: Dwayne Sweeney (Chief #142), Assistant Coaches: Carla Hohepa (Chiefs Manawa #27) Adam Thomson (Chief #323) Sona Taumalolo (Chief #169)

Matatū rugby have welcomed back Blair Baxter as an assistant coach for the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season alongside Simon Kneebone and Jason Kjestrup. Baxter was the sides inaugural Head Coach, passing the baton to Whitney Hansen after winning the Aupiki 2023 Championship, he then spent the remainder of the year working with China’s Women’s National Sevens Team as they prepared to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. During his time away from the South Island Baxter felt he wasn’t quite finished with Matatū, The opportunity came along to be back involved, and it was an easy decision to be fair. I feel super privileged to be accepted into the space again”. “I’m a way better coach than a supporter” quipped Baxter, “watching the girls last year, I was pretty animated. I thought I can’t sit here, I want to join in and work alongside them again and see if we can continue our journey to be great. Whit and Sarah [Munro (] formed an amazing crew, not only athletes but the staff that all enable that”. Baxter will work primarily on defence and is excited for the challenges ahead, “a really exciting challenge for me is to see how I can enable them to perform” said Baxter, “I’ll be doing everything I can to enhance the brand, enhance the footy and enhance myself”. Head coach Whitney Hansen is thrilled for Baxter’s return and the knowledge he brings. "In some ways it feels like he never left, a lot of the things we built across the first two seasons of Matatū remain and are an important part of our legacy still today” she said, “he is a great coach, who cares deeply for Matatū and the people in it. On a personal level, I’m really looking forward to coaching alongside someone who has always brought out the best in me and who I know will challenge us to continue to chase great”. And the feeling is clearly mutual, “I love working alongside Whit, and I have an immense connection to the brand and the girls” said Baxter, “Matatū was a huge part of my life for two years. I’m now back with my whānau”.

Central Districts were the only victors in Round 3 of the four-day Plunket Shield cricket competition. CD defeated the Wellington Firebirds by nine wickets at Napier's McLean Park on Sunday, while the other two matches of the round - Otago vs Northern Districts and Auckland vs Canterbury - ended in draws. LATEST HEADLINES: Blair Baxter returns to coaching with Matatu Vodanovich signs with the Tuatara; Airs fined Chiefs Manawa confirm their coaching lineup Former Black Cap named Blaze coach in UK Hillier, Song top NZ golfers at Australian Open Curtis Heaphy (75 not out from 178 balls) and Brad Schmulian (71 not out from 126) easily guided Central home on the final day, after being set 167 runs to win. Tim Robinson got Wellington off to a strong start, with 92 from 126, including 12 fours and two sixes, but with Jayden Lennox taking 3-53 from 22.1 overs and Blair Tickner and Ray Toole grabbing two wickets, the Firebirds could only manage 251-9 declared. Jack Boyle (72 from 130) and Dane Cleaver (89 from 181) were the backbone of CD's first innings, reaching 302, an overall lead of 51 runs. Logan van Beek, taking 4-50 from 21, was Wellington's best bowler. Tickner (4-52 from 22) and Brett Randell (3-44 from 14) did the damage as the visitors were dismissed for 217 in their second dig. Nick Greenwood (65 from 152) and Nick Kelly (85 from 166) put on 107 for the third wicket but it was not enough. The victory saw CD (39) pull within six points of competition leaders Northern Districts (45), while Canterbury dropped to third with 33 points. Wellington and Otago remain winless. In a rain-affected runs-fest at the Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland and Canterbury each batted just one innings and combined for 1013 runs. The Aces piled on 567-9 declared over the first day-and-a-half, with Black Cap Mark Chapman bludgeoning 276 from 325, including 28 fours and 10 sixes in an eight-and-a-half hour stay at the crease. Chapman and Will O'Donnell (60 from 156) combined for 172 runs for the third wicket, then Chapman and new Indian Premier League signing Bevon Jacobs (80 from 131) added 157 for the fifth wicket. In Canterbury's reply of 446-3, captain Rhys Mariu and Henry Nicholls posted centuries and Scott Janett just missed out. Mariu followed up his double-century in Round 2 with an almost six-hour 185 from 240, including 27 fours. He and Janett (93 from 174) put on a 219-run opening stand, with Nicholls (103 from 115) joining the action, adding 155 for the second wicket. With the better part of three sessions lost to rain on days three and four, Northern Districts came up just short of a victory at Hamilton's Seddon Park. Chasing 167 in just over two sessions for victory, play was halted by rain on three occasions before bad light forced play to be called off, with the hosts just 22 runs shy at 145-2 in 24.2 overs. Jacob Cumming (54 from 109) and Dean Foxcroft (71 from 135) scored half-centuries as the Volts reached 301-9. S Johnston took 4-51 from 15 for ND. A block-buster century from Brett Hampton (121 from 86) and half-centuries from Katene Clarke (59 from 169) and Ben Pomare (82 not out from 68) carried Northern's innings of 365. Luke Georgeson, Travis Muller and Jarrod McKay all took three wickets for Otago. Matt Fisher claimed 4-72 from 15.1 and Hampton grabbed three scalps as the Volts were dismissed for 217 in their second dig, with Thorn Parkes (68 from 126) and Foxcroft (61 from 72) notching half-centuries.

Another experienced player for the Auckland Tuatara as the try to finally nail an elusive title, while the Taranaki Airs have been given a slap on the wrist. Former National Basketball League (NBL) MVP and current Tall Black Tom Vodanovich has put pen to paper on a new deal with the Auckland Tuatara for 2025. LATEST HEADLINES: Chiefs Manawa confirm coach lineup Former Black Cap to coach Blaze in UK Hillier best Kiwi man at Australian Open Black Ferns Sevens lose final in Dubai Auckland City claim NLC final in extra-time The 2.01m Vodanovich, who is currently playing with the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL), spent last season with the Tuatara, helping them reach a third straight grand final. He joins fellow former MVP Rob Loe on the 2025 roster. Meanwhile, the Manawatu Jets have named Dontae Russo-Nance as one of their first signings for the 2025 season. The 1.9m Aucklander is currently on the Perth Wildcats squad in the ANBL. In other news, the NBL League Management has fined the Taranaki Airs after a post-season audit of each team’s total expenditure on players during the 2024 season. The NBL confirmed that the Airs fully complied and cooperated at all times, after which a process was initiated to assess whether there had been any non-compliance with league salary cap rules. In the course of that process, it was found, and agreed by the Airs, that there had been non-compliance to a relatively small degree. NBL general manager Maree Taylor said in a statement that there were errors in the Airs audit. “The NBL has had salary cap rules in place since 2021 which have been updated and agreed to by all teams each season. So the salary cap is effectively set and put in place by the teams themselves. While these rules include opportunities for players to earn money from third parties, it was during the league’s post-season audit that the Taranaki Airs were found to have made errors with documentation and reporting which has led to them exceeding the cap, albeit by a small amount. “The League takes the salary cap seriously, as do all teams, and the Airs have fully co-operated with the League’s Game Review Commissioner in this instance and apologised for the errors. A statement will be released by the Airs shortly." A breach to the salary cap of $300 dollars was accepted by the Airs and the League has issued a financial sanction on the Taranaki Airs of $10,000, which with early plea has been been reduced by $7500 for a total fine of $2500 being issued. The NBL considers the matter closed with Airs fully eligible for all league activities moving forward.

Otago Sparks head coach and former Black Cap batsman Craig Cumming has been appointed head coach of the Blaze, based at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. He will depart for the UK at the conclusion of the Women’s Super Smash T20 competition. LATEST HEADLINES: Hillier best Kiwi man at Australian Open Black Ferns Sevens lose final in Dubai Auckland City claim NLC final in extra-time Cotton burns NZ Breakers in Wildcats loss Auckland United finish women's quadruple Cumming has played a major role in the development of a talented group of young cricketers who have now tasted multiple trophy success. He initially held a part-time role in 2020, he was appointed as the first Otago full/time head coach in 2022. The Sparks have since won two of the past three Hallyburton Johnstone 50-over competitions and were a beaten Women’s Super Smash finalists in 2022.  He has also contributed to the development of several players, with Eden Carson and Polly Inglis now contracted to the White Ferns, as well as being a long-time mentor to Suzie Bates. Steve Martin, New Zealand Cricket general manager of performance, believed Cumming’s legacy would be his development of a culture and environment that has established a strong foundation for the women’s professional game to strive. “Craig has done a tremendous job developing players through his technical and tactical expertise and his ability to create quality performance team environments. We wish him well as he moves into the next phase of his coaching journey at the Blaze.” Cumming was delighted to be appointed Blaze head coach and was excited about the new opportunity to progress his professional career. “Having spent a month with the organisation during winter I saw first-hand the ambition and quality of people involved with the Blaze,” said Cumming. “It inspired me to want to be part of the Blaze team. The downside is that it means I will be leaving the Sparks. This is a team that means so much to me and I will always be indebted to all the players and support staff for their support to me as a coach but most importantly as a person. “They are a very special group, and I will miss being a part of this team but am thankful that they have given me five amazing years that I will cherish forever,” added Cumming.  Cumming has a significant history of involvement with Otago Cricket, having been a highly-successful Otago Volts player (2000-2012) and representing New Zealand (2003-2009). He held a commercial manager role before getting into professional coaching, at both pathways and domestic level. Otago Cricket was appreciative of the significant impact Cumming has had on the association and made him an honorary member in 2023. Otago Cricket will put in place a temporary coach to see out the remaining Hallyburton Johnstone Shield matches from early-March, before taking time to consider the process to find a replacement coach after the season. Cumming has two sons, Zac and Jacob, who both represent Otago.

Daniel Hillier has finished as the top New Zealand golfer in a tie for 23rd at the Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne. Hillier's three-over final round's left him at six-under overall, 12 shots back from runaway winner, American rookie Ryggs Johnston. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns Sevens lose final in Dubai Auckland City claim NLC final in extra-time Cotton burns NZ Breakers in Wildcats loss Auckland United finish women's quadruple Black Caps lose to England by eight wickets Hillier, 26, hit double bogeys on the fourth and seventh holes to push him down the order, but was able to make a birdie on the 14th hole. The other three Kiwis finished down the leaderboard, with Kazuma Kobori's tied for 34th, Josh Geary in a share of 39th and Nick Voke tied for 49th. Hanee Song in 10th was the best-placed New Zealander the women's event, finishing at two-under, 15 shots back of Korean winner Jiyai Shin. Fellow Kiwi Momoka Kobori finished tied for 24th at eight-over.

Auckland City FC have won the men’s National League Championship after a thrilling grand final beating Birkenhead United 2-1 after extra time at North Harbour Stadium. Despite Auckland City FC finishing eight points ahead of fourth-placed Birkenhead United in the Northern League, the two teams were locked in a close National League Championship battle, with Birkenhead finishing one point ahead of their Sandringham-based rivals. Both teams lined up with plenty of talent, including players who have represented New Zealand at international level. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland United defend national title Black Caps lose to England by 8 wickets Carrington wins Maori Sports Awards Lawson qualifies 17th for Qatar Grand Prix Wood on board again in Notts Forest win The match was an end-to-end affair, with both teams starting strongly and creating opportunities, the best of which fell to Jerson Lagos, whose free kick was saved brilliantly by Silvio Rodic in the Birkenhead net - one of many crucial stops made by Rodic throughout the match. In the 23rd minute, Birkenhead United broke the deadlock. A brilliant cross from deep found the head of Monty Patterson, who flicked the ball over Conor Tracey in the Auckland City FC goal for his eighth goal of the Championship. One goal up, Birkenhead pushed to extend their advantage and looked in control heading into the break. However, just a minute before half-time, Auckland City FC equalized. A cross from the Navy Blues was deflected into his own net by Luke Jorgensen, levelling the score at 1-1. The half-time break worked in Auckland City FC’s favour as they emerged reenergized, taking more control of the game. In the 57th minute, they looked certain to take the lead but were denied by a stunning double save from Rodic, who blocked an initial shot before getting a glove to Myer Bevan’s close-range follow-up. With 10 minutes remaining, Auckland City thought they had a penalty, but it was overruled by the assistant referee after it became clear the ball had struck a shoulder rather than hand. The decision buoyed Birkenhead, who immediately went on the attack, forcing a goal-line clearance from a Dino Botica header. With the score tied at the end of 90 minutes, the game went to extra time. After neither side could find the net in the first half, the second half saw Auckland City FC take the lead for the first time in the match. Substitute Angus Kilkolly, coming in from the right wing, played a neat one-two with fellow substitute Dylan Manickum, who finished across Rodic with less than 10 minutes to play. Birkenhead fought hard but couldn’t find a way back, meaning Auckland City FC reclaimed the title they had lost to Wellington Olympic at the same stage last year. Auckland City FC captain Mario Ilich was awarded the Steve Sumner trophy for Player of the Match while head coach Albert Riera can be content with yet another title for his side. Final Score (after extra time): Birkenhead United – 1 (23’ Monty Patterson), Auckland City FC – 2 (44’ OG, 111’ Angus Killkolly)