Junior Navy Blues draw Canterbury blank

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 6 November 2016

Picture: Phototek

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand - Auckland City FC's Junior Navy Blues have come away with a hard earned draw in the National Youth League at English Park today.

But the Junior Navy Blues efforts were marred by the injury to midfielder Yousif Ali who had to go off after just 10 minutes with a leg injury.

Ali made his first team debut in a 2-1 pre-season win over Waitakere United at Westlake Boys High School back in September and has trained with the Navy Blues regularly since then.

Coach Andy Peat said Yousif's loss was a hammerblow for his side but gave others a chance to step up and make their case for regular inclusion.

"We started the game a bit uneasy today. Unfortunately, Yousif Ali has gone down with an injury very early but we adapted to losing him and started playing well.

"Yousif has a lot of talent and he's had exposure to the first team at training and in friendlies so we're focused on making sure he's ok," Peat said.

Canterbury United's young Dragons have conceded seven goals in their past two games but were a different proposition on their home turf.

But Peat was quick to praise goalkeeper Cameron Brown who pulled off to important saves and read the game well.

"The game itself became a bit transitional for both teams. They had a couple of chances and Cameron stepped up for us at the back today.

"He's got the concept of the sweeper-keeper role down well and he gave us a lot of support today," he said.

Others to shine for the Junior Navy Blues were forward Phillipe Poletaev and former Three Kings United midfielder Emman Rahimi.

"Phillipe and Aman both came into the match today and gave us stability on the ball and defensively.

"Overall, the performance was positive and we'll keep growing week by week," he said.

Ends

Match Result
Sunday 6 November, 2016
National Youth League
Canterbury United 0
Auckland City FC 0
Halftime: 0-0

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