City Chase Third Straight Win

Back‑to‑back 4–1 wins over Fencibles United and Bay Olympic have lifted Auckland City FC to fifth on 13 points, just one outside the top four, and the goals have begun to flow with real conviction.

Regont Murati says the shift has been obvious within the group.

“We finally got our confidence in scoring some more goals… earlier we weren’t clinical, but now it’s working and we can use that momentum.”

Few players in the competition embody that momentum more than Dylan Manickum, whose five goals across the last two matches have pushed him to six for the season.

One behind today’s opposing striker Marius Zabarauskas, the current Golden Boot leader. Their duel adds an extra layer to an already heavyweight fixture.

Bays Arrive Unbeaten and Full of Belief

East Coast Bays come into Kiwitea Street as one of the league’s standout early‑season stories. Unbeaten in eight and sitting second on 20 points, they have pieced together a six‑match winning streak built on resilience and narrow, decisive margins.

Their recent run includes:

• 2–1 vs Auckland FC Reserves
• 1–0 away at Melville United
• Tight victories over Bay Olympic, Fencibles, Western Springs, and Manukau United

They are a side that absorbs pressure, stays in games, and finds moments that matter.

History Leans Navy Blue

Despite Bays’ impressive form, the recent head‑to‑head record favours Auckland City. The Navy Blues have won three of the last four meetings, including last season’s high‑pressure 2–0 victory on the final day — a result that secured National League qualification.

On that afternoon, Myer Bevan and David Yoo delivered the goals, with Jerson Lagos orchestrating both set‑piece moments.

Today’s contest brings a different kind of edge: a City side rediscovering fluency, a Bays outfit refusing to break stride, and a Kiwitea Street crowd ready for another compelling chapter.

Murati understands the stakes clearly.

“Every game from now on is important… we’re trying to cement our place in the top four and keep the winning streak going.”

Recent Head-to-Head

City 3 Wins • Draws 1

• 29/08/2025: Auckland City 2–0 East Coast Bays
• 17/05/2025: East Coast Bays 2–2 Auckland City
• 12/07/2024: Auckland City 1–0 East Coast Bays
• May 2024: East Coast Bays 0–3 Auckland City (Premiership)

U23s – Building on Last Week

The Young Navy Blues produced a superb 4–2 comeback last weekend after falling two goals behind early.

Carlos Stulich sparked the revival, Sam Clegg equalised with a free‑kick, then set up Stulich for a header before halftime. Clegg sealed the turnaround in the second half to complete a spirited win.

They face East Coast Bays U23s today at 12pm at the Croatian Club.

Milestone Watch

Ryan De Vries 249 appearances • 112 goals Approaching the 250‑match landmark.

200 Matches

• Mario Ilich — 188 (17 goals)
• Dylan Manickum — 190 (62 goals)
• Adam Mitchell — 193 (9 goals)

150 Matches

• Alfie Rogers — 147 (6 goals)
• Gerard Garriga — 145 (27 goals)

100 Matches

• Regont Murati — 96 (11 goals)

Club Milestone

Auckland City FC is closing in on its 300th Northern League goal.

Northern League Record: Played 114 • Won 86 • Drawn 13 • Lost 15 Goals For 298 • Goals Against 96 • Points 271

Ends

AC SQUAD: 1. Nathan GARROW (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Nikko BOXALL 5. Nathan ROSTRON 6. Kieran RICHARDS, 7. Michal DOUDERA 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Shaan ANAND 14. Nico ZAMBRANO 15. Jeremy FOO 17. Bono KACUROV 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Manraj SINGH 21. Adam Kanui BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Seba CIGANDA (GK) 26. Kian SHAHBAZPOUR 27. Tom GOLDING

HEAD COACH: Rudy MOZR
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Alan SHAKER
GOALKEEPER COACH: Adam BANNISTER
TRAINER: Karlo PAVIC
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON