Navy Blues ready for Dragons test

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 19 January 2017

Picture: FIFA via Getty Images

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Chance creation is the least of Auckland City FC's problems ahead of their Stirling Sports Premiership clash with playoff contenders Canterbury United.

The Navy Blues were sucker-punched by a late equaliser by Nicolas Abot of Tasman United deep into additional time last week, a goal that turned three points into one against the competition's bottom-placed team.

Auckland City FC coach Ramon Tribulietx was as frustrated as anyone in Navy Blue colours by his team's failure to turn chances into goals as the chase for the minor premiership tightened.

"It was disappointing to concede that late in a game that we could have finished off as a contest much earlier, but that's football.

"It gives us an opportunity to learn another lesson and get better.

"The game with Canterbury will be a tough one for many reasons they are a very good team, a team well prepared to hurt teams with a swift counter attack.

"I'm expecting another tough challenge but its also another opportunity for us to improve the way we want to play the game," he said.

Complicating matters is Auckland City FC's involvement in the Nike Lunar New Year Cup in Hong Kong.

The clash with Canterbury United begins a run of 10 games in 35 days for the Oceania champions.

Its an unprecedented pile-up of fixtures for a New Zealand club and could take the number of matches played by Auckland City FC this season up to 42 and includes games with clubs from the A-League, K-League, J-League and soon, the O-League.

You won't find anyone in the Navy Blues camp complaining about the challenge.

"The Nike Lunar New Year Cup is a fantastic opportunity for the club and it proves how well the club has done over the past few years to attract an opportunity like that.

"I believe this is the kind of season we all want to be involved in - to play twice a week on a regular basis - it keeps you switched on.

"It also gives opportunities to more players in our squad to get more game time. It will be a good test but it will also help our team to get better," he said.

The match with Canterbury United kicks off at 4.35pm at English Park, Christchurch, on Sunday 22 January.

Ends

Match Details
Stirling Sports Premiership
Sunday 22 January, 2017
Canterbury United v Auckland City FC
English Park, Christchurch
Kick-off: 4.35pm NZST
#CUvAC