AUDIO - Auckland City FC ready for title crunch

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 2 December 2016

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - The race for the National Youth League title heats up when the Junior Navy Blues take on red hot title favourites Hamilton Wanderers.

Auckland City FC has won the title on four previous occasions but last held the trophy two years ago.

And also at the back of many minds will be how seemingly in cruise control, the Junior Navy Blues wheels came loose when they lost 4-2 to the Wellington Phoenix.

But midfielder Emman Rahemi says from setbacks come opportunities to learn and thats exactly how he sees the recent blip at Kiwitea Street.

"We're feeling well prepared and confident.

"After the Wellington Phoenix game we had to bounce back and I think we did that really well on the weekend against Hawke's Bay United.

"We've worked on the positives from that so we're looking forward to the game," he said.

Rahimi, formerly with Montverde Academy and Botafogo SP, signed for the Junior Navy Blues from Three Kings United.

Rahimi's natural instinct is to attack opposition defences, with one-on-one situations and creating chances for team-mates a strength.

Also capable of playing as a wide midfielder, Rahimi has made a big impression this season.

AUDIO - Andy Peat

With Hamilton Wanderers Auckland City FC's next opponents, Rahimi says there will be no deviation from the game plan.

"We have to what we've been doing over the course of the competition and I think if we do that and stick to what we know then we'll do very well this week.

"Hamilton Wanderers is a very big game for us but every team has proved themselves to be very good.

"Every team you face in the National Youth League can turn you over or challenge you in some way," he said.

Hamilton Wanderers sit atop the National Youth League two points ahead of nearest challengers Waitakere United and the Junior Navy Blues.

Fourth placed Wellington Phoenix remain very much in the hunt for the title a further point back.

With three rounds left to play, each of the serious championship pursuants face two matches against fellow top four sides with two - Wellington Phoenix and Hamilton Wanderers - yet to face winless Hawke's Bay United, an important factor bearing in mind goal difference.

Ends

Extra Information

Match Details
National Youth League
Sunday 4 December, 2016
Auckland City FC v Hamilton Wanderers
St Peter's College, Epsom
Kick-off: 2pm NZST
#ACvHW

THE TITLE RUN-IN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

1. Hamilton Wanderers
v. Auckland City FC (A)
v. Wellington Phoenix (H)
v. Hawke's Bay United (A)

If Hamilton Wanderers can pick up at least four points from their next two matches, the title could be within their grasp. Their final match of the campaign is away to Hawke's Bay United who, with respect, have struggled to muster much resistance this season.

Position: 1
Points: 15
Goals For: 18
Goals Against: 12
Goal Difference: +6

2. Waitakere United
v. Canterbury United (A)
v. Auckland City FC (H)
v. Wellington Phoenix (A)

A tricky title run-in for Waitakere United as they travel to the South Island to face the young Dragons who will view this match as a must-win. A Super City derby is sandwiched with another tough away trip against another title chaser in the Wellington Phoenix makes for plenty of chances to slip up.

Position: 2
Points: 13
Goals For: 17
Goals Against: 5
Goal Difference: +12

3. Auckland City FC
v. Hamilton Wanderers (H)
v. Waitakere United (A)
v. Eastern Suburbs AFC (H)

The Junior Navy Blues title destiny is in their own hands starting this week when they face top of the table Hamilton Wanderers at home. Two derbies to finish with Waitakere United and the Lilywhites youth team adds to the colour.

Position: 3
Points: 13
Goals For: 10
Goals Against: 6
Goal Difference: +4

4. Wellington Phoenix
v. Hawke's Bay United (H)
v. Hamilton Wanderers (A)
v. Waitakere United (H)

The Pee Wee Nix as they've been termed by some on social media could be the surprise packets if teams above them slip up. Hawke's Bay United at home will be viewed as a must-have three points. Depending on the outcome of the Junior Navy Blues and Hamilton Wanderers game, the Wellington Phoenix and Wanderers could have everything to play for in Round 8.

Position: 4
Points: 12
Goals For: 19
Goals Against: 10
Goal Difference: +9

5. Team Wellington
v. Southern United (A)
v. Tasman United (H)
v. Canterbury United (A)

Very much title outsiders, the defending champions could still pull off a remarkable comeback if they win all three of their remaining matches and hope for carnage in the top four as contenders knock each other over. One major plus is they don't play any team above them in their final three games. And look at their goal difference.

Position: 5
Points: 10
Goals For: 20
Goals Against: 8
Goal Difference: +12

6. Canterbury United
v. Waitakere United (H)
v. Eastern Suburbs AFC (A)
v. Team Wellington (H)

Not completely out of the picture but there is no room for a slip-up plus the young Dragons will, like Team Wellington, win all three games and hope for miracles. A healthy goal difference, a tightened defence, championships have been won from seemingly hopeless positions.

Position: 6
Points: 10
Goals For: 18
Goals Against: 10
Goal Difference: +8

REMAINING FIXTURES

Round 7
Saturday 3 December, 2016
Wellington Phoenix v Hawke's Bay United - 11am
Tasman United v Eastern Suburbs - 12pm

Sunday 4 December
Southern United v Team Wellington - 1pm
Canterbury United v Waitakere United - 1pm
Auckland City FC v Hamilton Wanderers - 1pm

Round 8

Saturday 10 December
Hawke's Bay United v Southern United - 12pm
Team Wellington v Tasman United - 1pm

Sunday 11 December
Waitakere United v Auckland City FC - 1pm
Eastern Suburbs v Canterbury United - 1pm
Hamilton Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix - 2pm

Round 9

Saturday 17 December
Tasman United v Southern United - 11am

Sunday 18 December
Canterbury United v Team Wellington - 1pm
Auckland City FC v Eastern Suburbs - 1pm
Wellington Phoenix v Waitakere United - 1pm
Hawke's Bay United v Hamilton Wanderers - 1pm