Navy Blues held to draw by United

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 17 March 2022

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC and Auckland United FC have played out a 1-1 draw in the latest pre-season outing for the Navy Blues.

A first half strike by Jonah Pastiroff gave United a narrow lead at halftime but that was cancelled courtesy of a first non-competitive goal for newcomer Gerard Garriga just after the restart.

It was the first time the two sides have met since last season.

Assistant coach Ivan Vicelich gave his thoughts on the match.

"It was a very competitive game and I thought we did very well and worked exceptionally hard which is exactly what we got.

"We're only ten games away from the start of the season and we got that from Auckland United.

"United played very well but I'm pleased with how we responded.

"Overall, it was a tough game. We worked hard on our pressing and playing out from the back and they did that very well," he said.

The next match in the calendar, most likely the last before the start of the Northern League season against Melville United, will be unique.

It will be the Brian Stanyer Memorial Trophy with Central United FC taking on Mount Albert Ponsonby AFC.

The twist will be that Central United FC's side will be comprise players from the Auckland City FC squad.

Auckland City FC and Central United FC are closely related on a variety of fronts.

Vicelich said there was excitement to reach the close of a disrupted pre-season programme.

"We're looking forward to get some minutes in the legs in another game situation with Melville United on the horizon.

"There's a good opportunity to give players minutes in what will be another good game for us leading into the start of the season," he said.

The Brian Stanyer Memorial Trophy is scheduled for Saturday 19 March 2022.

The game takes place at the Croatian Cultural Club at 2.30pm NZDT.

Ends

Match Result
Pre-season friendly
Tuesday 15 March 2022
Auckland City FC 1 (Gerard GARRIGA 48')
Auckland United FC 1 (John PASTIROFF 36')
HT: 0-1.

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 2. Mario ILICH, 3. Adam MITCHELL, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 11. Ryan DE VRIES, 12. Sam BROTHERTON, 13. Nathan LOBO, 14. Jordan VALE, 17. Reid DRAKE.

SUBS: 24. Cam BROWN (GK), 15. Angel BERLANGA, 14. Joe LEE, 19. William ENG, 21. Ilham HAMEEDI, 22. Rayan TAYEB.

COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT: Ivan VICELICH

Next match:

Brian Stanyer Memorial Trophy
Saturday 19 March 2022
Central United v Mount Albert Ponsonby AFC
Croatian Cultural Club, Te Atatu
Kick-off: 2.30pm NZDT.

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