Auckland City FC will aim to put last weekend’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Auckland FC Reserves behind them as they take on Eastern Suburbs in a crucial Northern League showdown this Saturday.
8 May 2025
Despite sitting fourth in the table with 15 points from eight matches, the Navy Blues know they need to sharpen their attacking edge, having scored only nine times this campaign.
Their challenge comes in the form of an in-form Eastern Suburbs side, who are riding the momentum of a 2-1 win over West Coast Rangers and sit second on the table—one point behind leaders Birkenhead.
Striker Myer Bevan emphasised the squad’s determination to respond after last weekend’s setback.
"Obviously, we were disappointed, but the best thing about football is you always get another game. We’ve been preparing well all week, and we’re excited to get going again."
While Auckland City dominated their last meeting with Eastern Suburbs, securing a 3-0 win in the National League last October, Bevan knows this fixture presents a different challenge.
"They’re a very good team and doing well this year. We know they’ll be well organised, but we’ve been working all week to see how we can beat them. It’s going to be a really tough assignment."
Beyond just league standings, this match carries significance for Auckland City’s preparations ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
"We want to get in the best shape possible going into that tournament, so we need to find some form. If we win this game, we’re right back up the top—it’s a great game to have right now."
With both clubs eager for points, Auckland City desperate to rediscover their cutting edge, and Eastern Suburbs aiming to strengthen their title bid, this Gridlock Derby promises an intense battle.
Catch Auckland City FC live at Madills Farm this Saturday or stream the action free on FIFA+ HERE
MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R9
Eastern Suburbs vsAuckland City FC
Saturday, 10 May 2025
Madills Farm
KO:3pm
AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jeremy FOO, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Areya PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB, 30. Jackson MANUEL, 31. Ryan ELLIS, 32. Paris DOMFEH
Head Coach: Paul Posa
Assistant Coach: Ivan Vicelich
Assistant Coach: Adria Casals
GK Coach: Jonas Hoffmann
Physiotherapist: Matt Payne
Team Manager: Keith Coton
