City Host Springs in Crucial Clash

Thursday 31 October 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – National League leaders Auckland City FC are set for another stern test as they host Western Springs in Round 6 of the competition at Kiwitea Street on Sunday.

With only four regular rounds remaining, Albert Riera’s team stands as the sole undefeated side, boasting four wins and a draw.

Western Springs, in contrast, find themselves in 7th place, seven points behind their rivals, with two wins and three defeats.

In their previous outing, City scored three second-half goals to secure a convincing victory over Eastern Suburbs at Madills Farm.

Meanwhile, Springs’ title aspirations suffered a significant setback following a 3-2 home defeat to Wellington Olympic.

City will aim to strengthen their grip on the competition, while the visitors cannot afford any further slip-ups if they wish to remain in contention for a top-two finish.

Sunday’s match marks the tenth meeting between these two clubs, with Auckland City having won eight of those encounters. The Navy Blues' only defeat came in last year’s Round 4 Chatham Cup clash, which ended 3-2 at Seddon Fields.

The last time these two teams met was in Round 16 of the Northern League on a chilly July night at Seddon Fields, where Auckland City and Western Springs settled for a 1-1 draw.

Kailan Gould scored for City before Caspar McGavin equalised in the 81st minute.

As the National League heats up, all eyes will be on Kiwitea Street to see if Auckland City can maintain their undefeated run.

And you can watch it Live and Free on FIFA+ HERE

HEAD TO HEAD - WESTERN SPRINGS AFC

2024
Western Springs 1-1 Auckland City FC
Auckland City FC 2-1 Western Springs

2023
Western Springs 3-2 Auckland City FC
Western Springs 1-3 Auckland City FC
Auckland City FC 4-0 Western Springs

2022
Western Springs 3-5 Auckland City FC
Auckland City FC 4-0 Western Springs

2021
Auckland City FC 4-3 Western Springs

2014
Western Springs 3-5 Auckland City FC

MATCH DETAILS
National League R6
Sunday 3 November
Auckland City FC vs Western Springs AFC
Kiwitea St, Sandringham
Kick-off: 2:00pm

AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Marco LORENZ 6. Kailan GOULD 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Kentaro OZAKI 15. Aston BURNS 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Areya PRASAD (GK) 19. Yuki AIZU 20. Derek TIEKU 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER 26. Rayan TAYEB 27. Stipe UKICH 28. Luka VICELICH 29. Jesse GAGE 30. Matt MATANYAYIRE

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