Navy Blues in safe hands with Brown

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 11 March 2021

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Three outstanding saves by Cam Brown in the last ten minutes of Saturday's Super City derby demonstrate Navy Blues are in safe hands at business end of campaign.

Brown's heroics helped guide Auckland City FC to a 2-2 draw with Waitakere United in the ISPS Handa Premiership and sets the club up for what promises to be a thrilling last four showdown with Eastern Suburbs AFC this Sunday.

The 21-year-old has made 13 appearances this season and turned in an array of top displays as the club made it eight league titles in a row.

Auckland City FC goalkeeper coach Enaut Zubikarai was pleased with Brown's performance and saves but said there was always room for improvement.

"The saves were very good and Cam did well each time but he was unlucky with their equaliser - he did well with the first movement but sometimes you need luck also.

"All the goalkeepers work hard to understand these match situations which is key," he told www.aucklandcityfc.com.

Brown has shared the gloves this season with fellow New Zealand U-23 international Conor Tracey with Zubikarai providing match day back-up when required.

Regan Diver, a young up and comer in the Navy Blues ranks, has also spent the summer training with Brown, Tracey and Zubikarai, providing further support and perhaps a hint of future competition.

Brown is always quick to acknowledge his fellow glovemen following a top individual performance.

"It shows all the hard work the other goalkeepers, myself and Zubi are putting in at training," said Brown, "we make similar saves and train these movements and situations in what we're practising and its good when the hard work pays off in a game."

One save Brown produced was jaw dropping, denying Regont Murati from inside the penalty area following a set piece.

"The first save I didn't get a good look at but it bounced into the ground and I had to hold my positioning a bit longer and spring later but I got a hand to it and was pretty happy with that," he said.

Staying focused throughout 90 minutes is a key discipline for Brown, Tracey and Zubikarai, particularly playing for a side like Auckland City FC that spend long periods of games dominating the ball.

"Its hugely important to maintain concentration. Most of the game its about keeping focused and not getting too high or too low. As soon as you allow that to creep into your your mind, your positioning is out, your set position as well. Its about maintaining consistency and concentration for an entire game.

"I'm still 21 and still have heaps to learn. There's no better person to learn from than Enaut Zubikarai due to his experience the level he played at for as long as he has - training with him everyday is an amazing experience.

"We're staying focused for the semi-final now and hopefully we can get the win we all want," he said.

Ends

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