Auckland FC have responded to the first defeat in their history in comprehensive fashion, cruising to a 4-1 win over Central Coast and re-establishing themselves atop the A-League Men ladder.
Beaten 4-0 by Western United last week, the first time the expansion franchise had been beaten in their short history, the instant response from Steve Corica's side at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday afternoon ensured that regardless of results elsewhere, they will enter a blockbuster New Year's Day clash with Melbourne Victory at the competition's summit.
