Auckland coach Corica hails players courage after fightback earns draw

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica praised his players determination after fighting back from going two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Sydney FC on Saturday to maintain the A-League newcomers push for an unexpected Premiership title.

The New Zealand-based outfit, who only joined the league ahead of the current season, needed goals from Logan Rogerson and Francis de Vries to cancel out Adrian Segicics opening brace for their hosts as the teams shared the spoils.

The result keeps Auckland four points clear of second-placed Melbourne City and on track to finish on top of the standings when the regular season concludes next month.

We fought back, showed great courage, great character from the boys as well, to keep going to the end, said Corica. We got back into the game and I think in the end we shouldve won.

Still happy in the end with a point where we were, 2-0 down, but three points wouldve been a lot better.

Auckland have already secured their place in the six-team finals series at the end of the season while the draw extended their current unbeaten run to 12 matches.

Coricas side have shared the points in six of those contests, and the coach believes Aucklands ability to avoid defeat is a sign they possess the resilience required to secure success.

Weve picked up a lot of draws of late but also that shows were hard to beat, he said.

We just keep going. Theres three games to go now, were four points clear of City. We just keep fighting to the end.

Games are running out, so if we can keep our points in front weve got a good chance. REUTERS

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