Reaction - Figueira ponders derby draw

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 1 March 2021

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Spirited Waitakere United give Auckland City FC coach Jose Figueira plenty of food for thought after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Kiwitea Street.

Auckland City FC couldn't shake off a United side that refused to give in with Logan Rogerson and Mohamed Awad goals cancelled out by first Dane Schnell and then a last gasp Jack Duncan equaliser.

Figueira lamented some wastefulness in front of goal but acknowledged Waitakere United's quality and intensity in a gripping 90 minutes.

"We've signed off the regular season with an action-packed derby game again.

"I'm really happy with the first half, we created a lot of chances and it was good to get into the lead.

"We probably should be another goal to the good going into half time.

"Second half they started on the front foot and we worked all week on their long throws and set plays.

"Waitakere United can be very direct and in the second half we didn't deal with that threat too well in some moments.

"At the same time, they're hard to deal with - they've got a quality long throw, guys that can deliver quality and the goal is a quick throw and there are two people in the box where the ball has gone under their foot.

AUDIO INTERVIEW - Jose FIGUEIRA

Auckland City FC · Reaction - Figueira ponders derby draw

"That's disapointing but we can't fault our players for their intensity and work rate overall.

"We wanted three points but I think its a good reminder for whats coming. The semi finals could be exactly the same," Figueira told www.aucklandcityfc.com.

One player who was outstanding was goalkeeper Cam Brown.

The 21-year-old made three outstanding saves in the last eight minutes to keep Auckland City FC on an even keel and he nearly made a fourth only for Duncan to pounce.

Brown took the Navy Blues number one starting slot after a strong pre-season and is starting to shine, according to Figueira.

"Cam is someone who has developed a helluva lot this year.

"I've seen him in the under-23 space and its great to see him blossoming under the tutelage of Enaut Zubikarai.

"Cam came up with some big moments, not just with the three saves he made, but also claiming things and clearing bodies out in the penalty box.

"Its great to see that area of his game developing as well," he said.

Auckland City FC top scorer Logan Rogerson continued his fine form netting his fourth consecutive goal in as many games.

While Rogerson again looked sharp, Figueira feels there is more to come from the former All Whites attacker.

"Its good for Logan to take that momentum into the semi-finals.

"Again, Logan has high standards, and he possibly could've had at least one more goal today, but its good to see him building that momentum," he said.

Another stand out for the Navy Blues was former National Youth League Junior Navy Blues skipper Aidan Carey earning his first senior start.

With the level 3 lockdown imposed by the New Zealand Government leading to the postponement of the Hawke's Bay United and Eastern Suburbs AFC clash scheduled for Sunday in Napier, New Zealand Football are set to announce an alternative fixture date.

Figueira is mindful of the possibilities but is keeping a sharp focus on what happens.

"I'll keep an eye on what happens with Eastern Suburbs. We'll see if they can manage a win but we're looking to be at home for the semi-final and have had a taste of what Waitakere United can be like and if its Suburbs then we'll do our homework and be ready for them," he said.

Ends

Match Result
ISPS Handa Premiership
Saturday 27 February, 2021
Auckland City FC 2 (Logan ROGERSON 17', Mohamed AWAD 62')
Waitakere United 2 (Dane SCHNELL 51', Jack DUNCAN 90+2')
HT: 1-0.

AC: 24. Cam BROWN (GK), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 6. Brian KALTACK, 8. Albert RIERA (c) (20. Emiliano TADE 68'), 10. Dylan MANICKUM (4. Mario BILEN 75'), 14. Jordan VALE (12. Sam BROTHERTON 46'), 15. Aidan CAREY, 16. Yousif AL-KALISY, 19. Logan ROGERSON, 22. Mohamed AWAD, 23. Alfie ROGERS.

SUBS NOT USED: 1. Enaut ZUBIKARAI (GK), 9. Kayne VINCENT.

COACH: Jose FIGUEIRA.

OTHER RESULTS

Team Wellington 3-2 Hamilton Wanderers
Canterbury United 5-1 Wellington Phoenix

Sunday 28 February 2021 - POSTPONED
Hawke's Bay United v Eastern Suburbs AFC
New Match Details to be advised