Cooper back for title crunch

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 11 December 2016

Picture: FIFA via Getty Images

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - A must-win Super City derby is what stands between the Junior Navy Blues and a their National Youth League title hopes when they meet fellow challengers Waitakere United on Sunday.

Junior Navy Blues coach Andy Peat says he and his team are looking forward to locking horns with a Waitakere side whose title hopes were dented after a defeat to Canterbury United away last week.

"These matches are always intense and so we're looking forward to the contest.

"They've got good players, we've got good players, but we're going to stay true to what we believe in which is our philosophy of developing our style of play which we showed in the draw with Hamilton Wanderers," he said.

Hamilton Wanderers grabbed a valuable draw that heaps pressure on the Junior Navy Blues and means they need two wins from their final two matches and hope other results go their way.

Absent because of the FIFA Club World Cup was the talismanic Sean Cooper who Peat says was a big loss.

"Sean Cooper has been a big loss but its heartening to see him progress with the first team.

"I thought they did well but unfortunately didn't progress as we all wanted. It was a great performance for our club and country.

"We'll have Sean back in the squad for this one so he's a great addition for us. It should be a good challenging and tough match whih should give us a strong test," he said.

Ends

Match Details
National Youth League
Sunday 11 December, 2016
Waitakere United v Auckland City FC
Fred Taylor Park, Whenuapai
Kick-off: 1pm NZST
#WUvAC