AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC captain Mario Ilich is calling for consistency as the Navy Blues prepare for their Northern League clash against Fencibles United this Saturday at Riverhills Park.
25 April 2025
Kick-off is at 7 pm under the lights, and the stakes are high as Auckland City looks to cement back-to-back wins following their narrow 1-0 victory over Bay Olympic FC on Easter Monday.
With the Navy Blues currently sitting fourth on the table—level on points with third-placed Tauranga City, one behind Eastern Suburbs, and two off leaders Auckland United—Ilich emphasised the importance of building momentum in such a competitive league:
"Yeah, hugely important. Every game's a tough game in the Northern League, so we're really looking to build some momentum. Good three points against Bay Olympic on Monday, so yeah, ready to bounce back and try and get maximum points again."
The Navy Blues skipper also acknowledged the challenges posed by this weekend's opponents:
"Look, they've started pretty well, a few good results. I think they're going to be defensively very hard to break down, and yeah, I know they've got a few attacking threats for sure. We have to be at the top of our game playing against anyone in this league."
This match comes at a crucial juncture for Auckland City, which has been balancing a demanding schedule, including the OFC Champions League where they claimed their fourth consecutive title.
"At this stage of the season, we're trying to just focus on us and better our game," Ilich remarked. "It's about bringing it all together now, building momentum, and getting the team into the best form possible."
Fencibles United may be newcomers to the Northern League, but they’ve shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last three outings. Currently in eighth place with one win, three draws, and two losses, the home side will be hoping their ground advantage under lights works in their favour against the Navy Blues.
Auckland City’s pursuit of league dominance intensifies, with Round 7 action offering potential shifts across the table. Matches to watch include Birkenhead hosting Tauranga City, Eastern Suburbs welcoming Manurewa, and leaders Auckland United facing East Coast Bays. Western Springs travel to Bay Olympic, while Auckland FC Reserves take on West Coast Rangers.
Catch Auckland City FC live at Riverhills Park this Saturday or stream the action free on FIFA+ HERE
MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R7
Saturday 26 April
Fencibles United vs FC Auckland City FC
Riverhills Park
Kick-off: 7:00pm
AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL 6. Kailan GOULD, 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, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Areya PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLY, 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, 29. Kentaro OZAKI, 29. Jeremy FOO, 30. Jackson MANUEL, 31. Ryan ELLIS, 32. Paris DOMFEH
Head Coach: Paul Posa
Assistant Coach: Ivan Vicelich
Assistant Coach: Adria Casals
GK Coach: Jonas Hoffmann
Physiotherapist: Matt Payne
Team Manager: Keith Coton
