AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC return to their spiritual home at Kiwitea Street this Sunday with a clear mission: keep the momentum rolling and make it three wins on the trot.
24 October 2025
After a shaky start to their National League title defence, the Navy Blues have steadied the ship with gritty victories over Western Suburbs and Wellington Olympic. Now, with confidence restored and the Kiwitea faithful behind them, they face an unpredictable foe in Auckland FC Reserves.
Don’t let the “Reserves” tag fool you. The youthful Auckland FC squad have already proven they’re no pushovers. In fact, they’ve had the better of their two previous meetings with City, snatching a shock 1-0 win and holding them to a draw earlier this year. That history won’t be lost on City’s vice-captain Adam Mitchell.
“We’ve played them a few times this year. We haven’t actually won,” Mitchell admitted. “There’s a little bit of revenge from the loss and the draw. We’re well aware of their threats.”
The visitors arrive with a mixed bag of results in their debut National League campaign. Wins over the Phoenix Reserves and a draw with Western Springs have shown their potential, while losses to Miramar Rangers and Coastal Spirit have highlighted their inexperience. But with nothing to lose and everything to prove, they’ll be relishing the chance to upset the champions once again.
For Auckland City, the return to Kiwitea Street couldn’t come at a better time. The team is beginning to click, and striker Angus Kilkolly—fresh off scoring the winner against Olympic—is hungry for more.
“It was a good reaction from the boys the last couple of weeks,” said Kilkolly. “We know every game counts in this short format. We need to keep winning to stay in the position this club’s always been in.”
Mitchell echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of consistency.
“Momentum is crucial. It’s only a 10-game season. If you slip up, you could be well down the table.”
Sunday’s clash could also see the Kiwitea return of two former Auckland City players, Luka Vicelich and Aston Burns, in Auckland FC Reserves colours. Luka, son of club legend Ivan Vicelich, came through the City ranks and made his senior debut in 2024. Now, the composed centre-back is preparing for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, a proud milestone for the Vicelich family and a testament to the development pathways at the club.
With just 10 rounds in the National League, every point is precious. Auckland City know that a slip-up could undo their recent resurgence, while Auckland FC Reserves are chasing a statement result to ignite their campaign.
If you can’t make it to Kiwitea this Sunday watch the match live and free on FIFA+
Ends
Match Details
Dettol National League R5
Sunday, 29October
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC vs Auckland FC Resreves
Kick-off: 12:00pm
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. Seb CIGANDA (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 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, 28 Paris DOMFEH, 29. Riley DALZIELL 30. Orlando THORPE
HEAD COACH : Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GOALKEEPER COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
