Source: Radio New Zealand
Sam Cosgrove heads in for what was subsequently ruled to be an own goal by Perth Glory in their A-League clash at Mount Smart Stadium, 8 March 2026. www.photosport.nz
Auckland FC’s run for the A-League men’s premiership has suffered a hiccup with a 2-all home draw with Perth Glory.
The Auckland side picked up a point for the draw, but trail leaders Newcastle Jets by four points. The two teams meet next weekend in a clash that Auckland must not lose if they are to stay in realistic contention.
It looked great for the Aucklanders when Sam Cosgrove who after a melee got the ball past Glory goalkeeper Matt Sutton in just the seventh minute.
Perth levelled in the 39th minute when Brian Kaltak found the back of the net with a diving header.
Stefan Colakovski gave Glory a 2-1 lead when he got one past Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud in the 57th minute, but four minutes later Cosgrove got higher than the Perth players surrounding him to head one into the right post, with Sutton unable to contain the richochet and the ball falling just behind him into the goal.
The referee initially called a foul on Cosgrove, but after VAR intervention he changed the decision, with it ultimately decreed an own goal by Sutton.
There were six minutes of extra time, but neither team could break the deadlock.
The draw leaves Auckland FC three points ahead of Sydney FC who are in third place.
The Glory take on the Phoenix in Wellington next weekend.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
