Navy Blues set sights on Birkenhead clash

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 23 June 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC will travel north of the Harbour Bridge to take on Northern League rivals Birkenhead United AFC in a crucial Round 14 match on Saturday afternoon at McFetridge Park.

The still unbeaten Navy Blues are in second place on the competition ladder six points behind leaders Eastern Suburbs but with two games in hand.

Meanwhile United sit in fifth spot on the table and will be desperate for the points to maintain their push for a top-four finish and a place in this year’s National League.

City made light work of Birkenhead courtesy of a convincing 5-1 win when the two sides last met in Round 3 of the competition at Kiwitea Street.

On that occasion Gerard Garriga, Liam Gillion, Emilano Tade, Ryan De Vries and Daniel Morgan have all netted to help their side to overcome a slow start after falling behind to a second minute penalty converted by Luke Jorgensen.

Despite the one-sided encounter in early April, Albert Riera remains wary of their rivals.

“We can’t read anything into what happened in Round 3. We know they will be fitter and better prepared and we are fully aware how hard this match is going to be,” insisted the Navy Blues coach.

“I’m expecting a very tough battle between two teams that really going to give everything, that really want to get the three points.

“I know Birkenhead want to be top-four and they are going to give everything because we are no different and we are trying to be top-four as well, doing our best to hopefully win the Northern League, which is our target and again it’s going to be a battle between two teams that want to win the game and give everything,” added Riera.

The two clubs had a number of keenly contested meetings in the past with the Navy Blues recording two wins and a draw during the 2022 season as well as a win a defeat and a 3-3 Chatham Cup Round 4 stalemate, which City edged 3-1 on penalties, during their three 2021 matches.

With plenty to play for both sides as the competition’s business end fast approaching, Saturday’s match is shaping up to be another must-watch affair.

Ends

Match Details
Northern League Round 14
Saturday, 24 June 2023
Birkenhead United AFC v Auckland City FC
McFetridge Park, Hillcrest
Kick-off 3.00pm NZST

AC SQUAD (SEASON 2023): 1-Conor TRACEY (GK), 2- Mario ILICH, 3- Adam MITCHELL, 4-Christian GRAY, 5-Michael DEN HEIJER, 6-Dan MORGAN, 7-Cam HOWIESON (c), 8-Gerard GARRIGA, 9-Angus KILKOLLY, 10-Dylan MANICKUM, 11-Ryan DE VRIES, 12-Regont MURATI, 13-Nathan LOBO, 14- Jordan VALE, 15- Aidan CAREY, 16-Joseph LEE, 19-Liam GILLION, 20- Emiliano TADE, 21- Adam BELL, 22-Tong ZHOU. 24-Joe WALLIS (GK), 25-Takuya IWATA, 26-Rayan TAYEB, 27 Stipe UKICH

COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
TECHNICAL: Jarrod WALLACE
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE