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U-23s must lift standard - Wilson Fisher

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 3 May 2021

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Defender Wilson Fisher says criticism of Auckland City FC U-23's 3-1 win over North Shore United by coach Kris Bright was warranted.

The U-23's turned in a flat performance despite the win and now face third placed Birkenhead United with just three points separating the two teams.

Eastern Suburbs face Melville United at home in a second versus fourth showdown adding extra spice to the action in the latest round of the Lotto NRFL U-23 Premier Division.

Fisher, a former Tauranga Boys' College and Auckland City FC National Youth League stalwart, delivered a strong message for his U-23 team-mates as they eye up Birkenhead United.

"It was a disappointing performance last week - we showed a lack of intensity and effort and you can normally sense these things taking shape when the warm-up begins.

"The news that there were five U-20 players drafted into the first team gave everyone a big lift and we were excited for Ilham, Stewart, Aidan, Brooklyn and Deandre who have all made an impact.

"Unfortunately, we fell flat and fell flat after scoring three early goals. We like to keep up our ball speed and we did that at times but the intensity was down.

"We need to work a lot harder in games and keep our standards high or we'll get repeat performances like that," he told www.aucklandcityfc.com.

Fisher, who took ill earlier in the week, played a captain's knock, emerging from his sickbed to take his place at the heart of the Auckland City FC U-23 defence.

"It was a tough week for me - I felt sick earlier in the week and spent Wednesday and Thursday where I didn't leave my bed.

"I got a phone call from Kris Bright on Wednesday asking me if I could play and I said yes right away.

"I always want to put in a shift and although I wasn't feeling the best against North Shore United I gave it my best," he said.

Kris Bright was far from satisfied with his team's 3-1 win and while he read his players the riot act, his sentiments left the players with food for thought.

"I was certain Brighty would run us hard at training after the way we played and its vital that we improve our ball speed.

"But it's also important that we stay positive. We're still undefeated despite a performance that wasn't very pretty and the goal for our team is to keep working hard from here."

Auckland City FC face Birkenhead United at Croatian Cultural Society in McLeod Road on Saturday 8 May, 2021.

The game kicks off at 12.00pm NZDT.

Ends

Match Details
Lotto NRFL U-23 Premier Division
Saturday 8 May, 2021
Auckland City FC v Birkenhead United
Croatian Cultural Society, Te Atatu
Kick-off: 12.00pm NZDT

OTHER FIXTURES
Manukau United U-23 v West Coast Rangers U-23
Northern Rovers U-23 v Hamilton Wanderers U-23
Eastern Suburbs U23 v Melville United U-23
Auckland United U-23 v North Shore United U-23
Bay Olympic U-23 v Western Springs U-23

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