NYL - Dragons clash crucial for McFarland
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Fresh from a 2-0 win over Waitakere United, the Junior Navy Blues National Youth League campaign switches focus to Canterbury United on Saturday.
Goals by Callum McNeill and Justin Bailey handed Auckland City FC a valuable 2-0 win over Waitakere United at Trusts Arena last week but Canterbury United could pack a powerful punch after two wins from two in their campaign to date.
Coach Aaron McFarland is adamant the Junior Navy Blues must target points from a team he considers one of the strongest.
"In a short National Youth League season it appears that any chance to win the title would require us to get points in this game.
"Canterbury have had two convincing wins on the scoreboard and look like the team to beat.
"For us if we continue to improve game on game, start the game with more intent and show more of our playing personalities I believe we will perform well," he said.
Fortunately for McFarland he has a team featuring players who look to be hitting a rich vein of form.
One of them, Justin Bailey, scored a cracking goal last week at a time when Waitakere United had the Junior Navy Blues squarely on the ropes.
"Justin played an important role in our team last week using his pace to stretch the opposition and get behind their back four.
"Anyone watching the game can see his dynamic play and willingness to create attacking opportunities.
"Like many of the players in our squad he is also very motivated to get better and shows a willingness to work on both making his strengths better and reducing weaknesses," McFarland said.
Auckland City FC go into the match with a full strength squad to choose from including Thomas Drillien who missed last week's win following an injury at the Napier U-19 Tournament won by Ellerslie AFC.
For the full National Youth League draw click here.
Ends
Match Details
National Youth League
Saturday 4 November 2017
Auckland City FC v Canterbury United
Croatian Cultural Club, Auckland
Kick-off: 2pm NZST
#ACvCU
#ISPSHandaPrem
#WhereAllWhitesAreMade
#JuniorNavyBlues
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Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 15 |
| 2 |  | WS | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| 3 |  | BU | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 9 |
| 4 |  | BO | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 9 |
| 5 |  | MN | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 5 | 7 |
| 6 |  | AU | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 |  | ES | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| 8 |  | TC | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 3 |
| 9 |  | MU | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 3 |
| 10 |  | WR | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 2 |
| 11 |  | HW | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 1 |
| 12 |  | EB | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 0 |
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