City Look to Build Momentum

It is a fixture shaped by the memory of their last meeting in July 2025, when the Navy Blues returned from the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and were edged 2–1 in a tense afternoon at the Mount.

David Yoo’s stunning long‑range strike had given Auckland City an early lead that day, but Tauranga responded with goals from Morgan Wellsbury and Liam Molloy to claim a hard‑earned victory. The U23s also fell 2–0, completing a frustrating day for the club.

This weekend’s encounter arrives with both sides searching for consistency in a tightly packed Northern League table. Auckland City sit mid‑table after an uneven start: a strong opening‑day win at Western Springs, followed by narrow defeats to Eastern Suburbs, Birkenhead and Auckland United, before rediscovering their attacking edge against Manukau.

For defender Dylan Connolly, who has recently returned from an ankle injury, last weekend’s performance felt like a step forward.

“The mood in the team is really good… hopefully we can bring that winning feeling into this weekend,” Connolly said. “We went through a tough run of fixtures, but training’s been excellent and we want to build a bit of momentum now.”

Tauranga City’s form has been similarly mixed. A 0–0 draw with East Coast Bays opened their campaign before a heavy loss to Melville and a narrow defeat at Bay Olympic. Since then, they have found goals and confidence, beating Fencibles 5–2 and drawing 3–3 with Auckland FC Reserves in Round 5. They sit just one point behind Auckland City, adding extra weight to Saturday’s meeting.

The broader head‑to‑head record still leans towards Auckland City, with four wins from the past five encounters, including a 5–0 victory and a 3–1 win in 2024. But Tauranga’s 2025 win — and their ability to unsettle City at Links Ave — ensures this fixture carries an edge.

With both sides eager to climb the standings, Saturday’s match promises intensity and urgency. For Auckland City, the challenge is to back up last week’s attacking fluency and convert possession into points. For Tauranga, it is an opportunity to build on recent scoring form and test a Navy Blues side still rediscovering its rhythm.

The U23s follow later in the afternoon in the Lotto NRFL Premiership, also facing Tauranga City at Links Ave. After a mixed start to their season, the Young Navy Blues will be looking to match the senior side’s ambition and produce a strong performance on the road.

Ends

AC SQUAD: 1. Nathan GARROW (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 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 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 21. Adam Kanui BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Seba CIGANDA (GK) 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