Auckland FC's Nando Pijnaker celebrates scoring the winning goal in their A-League match against Sydney FC. Photo: photosport
A-League newcomers Auckland FC scored a desperately late goal through defender Nando Pijnaker to beat Sydney FC 1-0 and go top of the standings after two rounds.
The Black Knights are the only team boasting two wins from two in a dream start to their maiden season but needed Pijnaker's stunning backheel deep in injury time to pick up the three points in a tense contest in Auckland.
They are yet to concede a goal, setting up a mouth-watering contest against the Wellington Phoenix next week - a match which will be the first New Zealand derby in A-League history.
A tight tactical battle pitted former long-serving Sydney FC coach Steve Corica - now in charge at Auckland - against a strong Sydney outfit coached by former Phoenix mentor Ufuk Talay.
The game sprung to life in the final 10 minutes.
Hayden Matthews thought he had put the visitors in front but a lengthy VAR check ruled the goal out due to an offside against Patryk Klimala.
Louis Verstraete of Auckland FC is tackled by Corey Hollman of Sydney FC during the round two A-League Men match between Aukland FC and Sydney FC at Go Media Stadium, on 27 October 2024. Photo: Hannah Peters / Getty
Auckland FC earned a free kick with barely a minute remaining in stoppage time and when it wasn't cleared from the six-yard box, Pijnaker produced an instinctive backheel.
All Whites defender Pijnaker told Sky Sport he barely had time to comprehend what he was doing.
"The ball kind of dropped in front of me, I wasn't really thinking and just hit it with the backheel," he said.
"Luckily it goes through the 'keeper's legs and into the goal. It's been a while since I scored so very happy, and very happy to keep a clean sheet."
Auckland captain Hiroki Sakai, a former Japan international, said it was obvious what sort of attention their clash with the unbeaten Phoenix will get next week.
"I'm so excited about the Kiwi derby. It will be a memorable day for New Zealand."