Squad rotation likely for Junior Navy Blues
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - The Junior Navy Blues can put pressure on the chasing pack if they can down the Wellington Phoenix at Kiwitea Street on Sunday.
Coach Andy Peat says his youngsters have set a high standard throughout the season to date but that a lot more hard work lies ahead if they're to snatch back the coveted National Youth League title held by Team Wellington.
"The season has progressed positively we're improving each week and our performanc against Southern United was very pleasing.
"We got an opportunity to showcase our possession-style of game last week but we know the Wellington Phoenix is a different type of game.
"They can put pressure on us in the way they defend and they're different to what Southern United gave us last weekend.
"Paul Temple and his team are a very capable technical team and so I expect nothing less than a very strong, well prepared, opponent on Sunday," he said.
Leading the charge for the visitors could be Matt Conroy who has bagged four goals in two games for the Nix.
Peat acknowledged the Junior Navy Blues will have to be wary of an opponent that sits sixth with two wins from two matches.
"The Phoenix have some very good young players and if we allow them to they can cause us problems.
"We'll adapt. We've had a tough match with the first team this week and it should help keep our feet on the ground," he said.
Peat says his team have strived for consistency of performance but looked to rotate the squad to ensure players get vital game time.
His approach will be no different this weekend.
"Its good for our squad as we only have a nine game season and so we've got five left - its a short season.
"If you get an opportunity as a player you have to seize it, you can't be complacent, you can't settle or the season is over.
"Sean Crombie got injured on Tuesday and we're waiting to see what happens with that. We're supporting Sean and Yousif Ali who are both on the injured list.
"These guys are key members of our team and very much a part of things," Peat said.
The match with the Wellington Phoenix kicks off at 1pm at Kiwitea Street on Sunday 20 November, 2016.
Ends
Match Details
National Youth League
Sunday 20 November, 2016
Auckland City FC v Wellington Phoenix
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Kick-off: 1pm
#ACvWP
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Player Profiles
Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 15 |
| 2 |  | WS | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| 3 |  | BU | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 9 |
| 4 |  | BO | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 9 |
| 5 |  | MN | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 5 | 7 |
| 6 |  | AU | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 |  | ES | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| 8 |  | TC | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 3 |
| 9 |  | MU | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 3 |
| 10 |  | WR | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 2 |
| 11 |  | HW | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 1 |
| 12 |  | EB | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 0 |
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