Match Report
On the table this was a mismatch: Eastern Suburbs (2nd, 47 pts) held a 40-point advantage over Manukau United (12th, 7 pts). Against a league average of 1.79 goals per team per game, Eastern Suburbs ran at 1.86 scored and 0.41 conceded, Manukau United at 0.64 and 3.55.
Manukau United had been beaten in five straight games. Over the last five, Eastern Suburbs had taken 8 of 15 points to Manukau United's 0.
5 previous meetings sit in the GioScore records — Eastern Suburbs 3, draws 1, Manukau United 1, at 2.8 goals per meeting. Hosting has counted for little in this fixture — the home side has won only 20% of those meetings.
The venue was Bill McKinlay Park, with room for 5,000 spectators. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Eastern Suburbs led 4-0 at the break, before 3 more goals closed it at 7-0.
Goal scorers
Eastern Suburbs: Noah Karunaratne (10'), Agustín Contratti (64'), 5 goals with no recorded scorer
Key stats
Possession: Eastern Suburbs 64% · Manukau United 36% · Total shots: 41-4 · On target: 16-0 · Corners: 17-0