They looked leg weary – playing their fourth game in the space of 10 days – but also struggled to find any space within or behind the Auckland FC defensive structure. Brook was again a standout, while Jesse Randall had some eye catching moments on the left flank. But every Auckland player stood up, with defensive lynchpin Dan Hall and captain Hiroki Sakai also strong.
Corica again reshuffled his deck, with Sam Cosgrove and Cam Howieson brought into the starting XI. Brook was again used in the number 10 role.
Auckland enjoyed the perfect start, after Cosgrove bundled home from a Frances de Vires corner, with his physical presence unsettling the defence. From there Auckland could set the tone and they did it well. Randall had a shot saved – after persisting – before Cosgrove headed over the bar, after Randall had turned his marker inside out. The duo were involved again after the break, as Randall broke out, before the move shifted to the right flank, then Cosgrove was narrowly wide with a clever flick.
In front of a large contingent of travelling fans, Randall had a shot saved at the near post, after a clever lofted pass from Brook. Hall managed a great sliding tackle to avert a dangerous situation, then Sakai was alert to head away near the goal line.
Former Wellington Phoenix player Youstin Salas stung the palms of Michael Woud flate in the second half, before Quinn Macnicol found space but direct his shot too close to Woud. That was as close as the home side came, as Auckland FC banked more valuable points.
Auckland FC 2 (Sam Cosgrove 6, Lachlan Brook 73)
Brisbane Roar 0
Halftime 1-0
