AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC will be eager to bounce back from consecutive league defeats when they take on East Coast Bays in Round 10 of the Northern League this Saturday evening at Bay City Park.
16 May 2025
Sitting sixth on the table with 15 points, the Navy Blues know that a victory is crucial as they aim to reassert themselves in the competition.
Despite their recent struggles, striker Angus Kilkolly remains confident that his side can turn things around, acknowledging the need for a more clinical edge in front of goal. With just nine goals in nine matches, Auckland City must rediscover their attacking form to get back to winning ways. “There’s always pressure playing for Auckland City,” Kilkolly stated, emphasising the squad’s commitment to improving performances rather than panicking about their current form.
Meanwhile, East Coast Bays are coming into this match full of confidence after securing back-to-back victories against Tauranga City and Manurewa. They currently sit in eighth place with 12 points and will be eager to claim another scalp on home turf, knowing that a win would put them level on points with Auckland City.
The last encounter between these sides in July 2024 ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Auckland City, thanks to a composed finish from Regont Murati. City dominated possession on that occasion, though East Coast Bays proved resilient in defence. Earlier in the season, Auckland City secured a convincing 3-0 victory at Bay City Park, with Ryan De Vries netting twice and Liam Gillion rounding off the scoring.
With Auckland City desperate to return to the winners’ circle and East Coast Bays riding a wave of confidence, this fixture promises to be a compelling contest under the lights at Bay City Park. The Navy Blues will need to be more ruthless in front of goal, while East Coast Bays will look to frustrate their visitors and continue their upward trajectory.
Given the league standings, a win for Auckland City could push them back toward the top four, while Bays have the opportunity to further cement their resurgence. All signs point to an intense and competitive battle this weekend.
MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R10
East Coast Bays vs Auckland City FC
Saturday, 17 May 2025,
Bay City park
KO: 5:30pm
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. 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, 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
