Looking to Extend Winning Run

Last weekend’s deserved 1–0 win over East Coast Bays, sealed late by Angus Kilkolly, continued a growing sense of rhythm and control in the team’s performances. Midfielder Jeremy Foo felt the display reflected the group’s recent progress.

“We definitely moved the ball around quite well and we started the game off well,” Foo said. “That’s something we’ve done over the last couple of games, which is why we’ve been able to get a winning streak.”

Foo believes the team’s improved starts have been a key factor in the turnaround.

“In the first 15 we’re getting straight into it instead of starting off a little bit slower,” he said.

One of the other major drivers of the recent surge has been Dylan Manickum. Operating in the number ten role, Manickum has been in outstanding form, linking play, pressing aggressively and arriving in the box with perfect timing.

His six goals place him second in the Golden Boot race and underline his influence on the side’s attacking output.

Friday’s opponents, Auckland FC Reserves, present a different kind of challenge. The two sides have met three times in competitive play, and Auckland City are still searching for their first win in the fixture. The record stands at one defeat and two draws, with the most recent meeting ending in a 1–1 stalemate rescued late by Christian Gray.

With the league table tightening, Foo knows the importance of the upcoming fixture.

“It’s definitely super important,” he said. “We want to continue our winning streak, get higher up the table and hopefully get the win.”

Form and Context

Auckland City’s recent run has pushed them to 16 points, sitting just behind the leading trio. Birkenhead, Eastern Suburbs and East Coast Bays continue to set the early pace, but the Navy Blues’ upward curve has them firmly in the hunt.

Auckland FC Reserves have shown resilience despite mixed results. Their ability to stay compact, disrupt rhythm and take their moments has made them awkward opponents for several sides this season.

There is no U23s fixture this weekend.

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