'Completely unfair': Auckland FC coach takes aim after derby draw

Pedro Moreira believes Auckland FC deserved to win their A-League derby with Wellington Phoenix, insisting the goalless draw was “completely unfair” after a dominant second-half display from the Black Knights.

After an even opening 45 minutes, Auckland came out firing after the break, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities, but they were unable to find the finishing touch, as Logan Rogerson and Sam Cosgrove were among those unable to convert their chances.

It was the first time Auckland had failed to beat Wellington in the rivalry, having won previous derby meetings across the opening two seasons.

Moreira was encouraged by his side’s performance but disappointed they could not turn their dominance into three points.

“I’m happy about the performance, not happy with the result completely because it was completely unfair what happened in the game, especially in the second half, the way that we dominated the game,” Moreira said.

“We cannot create such chances like we create and don’t score, so it’s probably what we must really improve in the future.”

The match was delayed by an hour before kickoff due to lightning around Go Media Stadium, but Moreira insisted the disruption had no bearing on the contest.

“I think it was no difference,” he said. “Since the moment that it starts, I think it was really the same. No change.”

While Auckland were left frustrated, Wellington Phoenix coach Chris Greenacre was pleased with the resilience his side showed to withstand the pressure and earn a valuable point.

The result sees Phoenix head into the international break top of the A-League table with three wins and a draw from their opening four matches.

“I think we’ve got to start somewhere,” Greenacre said. “We haven’t been in front in a derby either, so for us a point away from home is a good point.

“I thought we created some big moments in the first half and couldn’t capitalise. Then in the second half they did the same, so I think it could have gone either way and maybe a draw’s a fair result.”

Greenacre said the result was important in restoring balance to a rivalry dominated by Auckland.

“We had to stop the rot and not allow it to be totally one-sided and, with all due respect to Auckland, it’s been totally one-sided,” he said.

“It was really important that we got some credit back and I’d like to think we got some credit back.”

For Auckland, the draw leaves them fifth on five points after four matches, but Moreira believes the performance against the league leaders was a significant step forward.

Auckland FC's Sam Cosgrove clashes with Wellington Phoenix's Bill Tuiloma. Photo / Photosport

Moreira is confident his side is beginning to rediscover their confidence after a difficult period.

They started the season with a win over Melbourne City before a thumping loss to the Western Sydney Wanderers was followed by a last-minute draw with Brisbane Roar.

“We must start to play without fear sometimes,” he said.

“Probably after the defeat in Sydney, we created a few doubts. The boys showed today something different than they showed in the last games and probably it’s because of that.”

Attention turns to the next chapter of the rivalry, with Auckland travelling to Wellington for the return derby on December 19.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.