Cup Mode Activated at Kiwitea Street

The visitors, Takapuna AFC, arrive as a Championship side rebuilding after relegation from the Northern League in 2023. They come with momentum, belief, and the classic Cup‑underdog energy that makes this competition so dangerous.

For Auckland City FC, the Cup is identity, expectation and legacy. For Takapuna, it is a chance to punch upwards and write a story that lasts. Cup football does not care about tiers. It cares about moments.

From the Coach’s Desk

The coaching staff view Takapuna as organised, disciplined, and particularly threatening when matches become chaotic. Cup football rewards teams who stay focused and take their chances, and the message inside the camp is clear: the Navy Blues need to be brave, sharp and clinical.

Mindset Shift: Dylan Connolly on Cup Mode

Dylan Connolly believes the recent Northern League run has already felt like a sequence of must‑win fixtures, with the race for the top four tightening every week. Because of that, shifting into Cup mode does not feel dramatically different. He expects a tough match, noting that Takapuna have been performing well in their league and will arrive with confidence. The squad returned to work immediately after last night’s match to prepare for the Cup challenge.

Connolly sees value in the quick turnaround between games. Moving from match to match can help maintain rhythm, and having a training session in between allows the group to reset their mindset for the next opponent. He also highlights the impact of recent signings and returning players, describing them as an important injection of fresh legs and fresh energy at a crucial stage of the season. The quality they bring, combined with the increased competition for places, strengthens the squad.

He points to the team’s improved chance creation in recent weeks as a key factor. If the Navy Blues can continue to generate opportunities and sharpen their finishing, they will be in a strong position for Saturday.

Milestones and Moments

Today marks Auckland City FC’s 24th Chatham Cup tie, following last round’s 2–1 win over East Coast Bays. From the previous 23 ties, the Navy Blues have recorded 18 wins, underlining the club’s strong knockout pedigree.

Cup history at the club has its own standout figures. Angus Kilkolly sits as the club’s leading Chatham Cup goalscorer with 14, including a brace in Round 2 this year during the 6–0 win over Claudelands Rovers.

Two current Navy Blues are also approaching significant milestones. Mario Ilich enters the day with 198 appearances and 17 goals for the club. Dylan Manickum arrives on 198 appearances and 62 goals. If selected, both players will make their 199th appearance for Auckland City FC.

Last Round

Auckland City FC advanced to Round 4 with a hard‑earned 2–1 win over East Coast Bays at Kiwitea Street. Nathan Rostron opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Michal Doudera corner, before Bays equalised through Guy Frank Essome‑Penda just before halftime.

The decisive moment came on 65 minutes when Rostron’s cross found Mario Ilich, whose header struck the bar. Adam Mitchell reacted quickest to bury the rebound and restore City’s lead. Disciplined defending and composed game management saw the Navy Blues close out the match and secure their place in the next round.

Takapuna AFC – Road to Round 4

Round 1: Manurewa 0 (3) – 0 (4) Takapuna FC – Round 2: Takapuna AFC 3–1 Albany United – Round 3: Takapuna AFC 2–0 Waiheke United

Takapuna arrive at Kiwitea Street with two wins, five goals scored, one conceded, and nothing to lose.

Head to Head: Auckland City FC vs Takapuna AFC (2022–2023)

1 Apr 2022 – ACFC 2–1 Takapuna
10 Jun 2022 – Takapuna 0–4 ACFC
6 May 2023 – ACFC 4–0 Takapuna
12 Aug 2023 – Takapuna 0–2 ACFC

Totals: four matches, four ACFC wins, and a 12–1 goal difference.

Most Recent Meetings

Auckland City FC 4–0 Takapuna AFC (6 May 2023) A dominant second‑half performance saw Manickum round the keeper for the opener, Lee chip in for 2–0, Manickum strike from long range, and Howieson finish the match late.

Takapuna AFC 0–2 Auckland City FC (12 August 2023) A composed ACFC display, with Angus Kilkolly scoring twice in five minutes to secure the points.

Cup Days at Kiwitea Street

The Chatham Cup has always been a proving ground for Auckland City FC, a competition where discipline, humility and ambition meet. Takapuna have a reputation for upsetting bigger sides and will believe they can do it again. Cup days at Kiwitea Street are built on community: volunteers, supporters, families, and the players who wear the shirt with pride.

Enjoy the football. Enjoy the Cup.

Building the Future in Mt Roskill

In Mt Roskill, something meaningful is taking shape: a modern, year‑round turf with lights, safe access, and a space where football, learning and community can thrive. This project is about opportunity, creating a pathway for thousands of young people who deserve a place to play, grow and belong.

Every contribution brings the Roskill Schools Turf Project closer to reality. Back the build. Back the future.

AC SQUAD: 1. Nathan GARROW 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 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. Nathan LOBO 14. Shaan ANAND 15. Jeremy FOO 16. Fergus GILLION 17. Ryan WATSON 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Pavel OSMANICK, 21. Adam Kanui BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 25. Mike Den HEIJER, 26. Matt ELLIS 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