Double Duty on King’s Birthday Weekend

Saturday: Gridlock Derby at Madills Farm

The Navy Blues make the short trip across the city on Saturday for Round 12 of the Northern League, meeting Eastern Suburbs in the latest edition of the Gridlock Derby. It arrives with the table finely poised: Eastern Suburbs sit second on 23 points, Auckland City fourth on 22, the two sides separated by a single point after eleven rounds.

The Lilywhites have built their season on defensive control, conceding just four goals. Auckland City arrive in contrasting form, having scored sixteen in their last five league matches and riding a five‑game winning streak that has reshaped their campaign.

The last meeting between the clubs came in Round 2 at Kiwitea Street, where Suburbs edged a tense derby 1–0. A 16th‑minute strike from Noah Karunaratne proved decisive, and despite long spells of possession, City were unable to break through. Nathan Garrow produced two superb saves to keep the match alive, and in the end Suburbs managed the closing stages and held firm.

Since then, City have rediscovered fluency. Last weekend’s 4–0 win — delivered on Ryan De Vries’ 250th appearance — showcased both attacking sharpness and defensive control, with goals from Michal Doudera, Angus Kilkolly, bono Kacurov and Shan Anand.

That match also marked a milestone for both Kacurov and Anand, who scored their maiden first‑team goal. Reflecting on the performance, Kacurov described it as a brilliant game with four goals and a result the team were happy to take. He felt the side created many chances and could have scored more, and he highlighted the significance of Ryan De Vries reaching 250 appearances.

The young striker spoke with pride about his first senior goal. Captain Mario Ilich won the penalty, and he appreciated the trust from his teammates to step up, place the ball on the spot and finish the chance. He expressed gratitude to the squad for giving him that moment.

Looking ahead to the weekend, he emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum. With Eastern Suburbs on Saturday and Chatham Cup action on Monday, he noted the busy schedule and the need to keep the winning streak alive, continue creating chances and aim to finish the week on a high.

Suburbs enter the derby with four wins from their last five, maintaining their defensive steel while finding timely goals across the past month. The stage is set for another tight, high‑stakes meeting.

U23s also in action

The Young Navy Blues face Eastern Suburbs U23 at 3pm on Saturday, also at Madills Farm. Their last encounter produced a seven‑goal thriller, with Auckland City winning 4–3 thanks to a dramatic late header from Carlos Stulich.

Monday: Chatham Cup Round 2 – Claudelands Rovers v Auckland City FC

Once the derby dust settles, Auckland City must reset quickly for Monday’s Chatham Cup Second Round tie at Galloway Park, Hamilton, against Claudelands Rovers.

Rovers are one of New Zealand’s oldest community clubs, founded in 1923 and celebrating their centenary in 2023. They compete in the NRFL Southern Conference and advanced to Round 2 with a 3–0 away win over AFC Bohemian Celtic earlier this month.

The club has deep roots in Hamilton East, a large junior and youth base, and a notable historical footnote: Kevin Keegan famously appeared in a Rovers shirt in 1985.

For Rovers, Monday is a chance to host one of the country’s most decorated clubs on home turf. For Auckland City, it is a demanding second act to the weekend — knockout football, a short turnaround, and an away trip that will require rotation and composure.

Kickoff is set for 2:00pm at Galloway Park.

Match details

Northern League Round 12 Eastern Suburbs v Auckland City FC
Madills Farm Saturday 30 May First Team kickoff: 12pm U23 kickoff: 3pm

Chatham Cup Round 2 Claudelands Rovers v Auckland City FC
Galloway Park, Hamilton Monday 1 June Kickoff: 2:00pm

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