AUCKLAND, NZ - Auckland City return to Kiwitea Street looking to reset their trajectory after a frustrating 3–2 defeat to Birkenhead United last weekend — a match that slipped away early before a late rally restored some pride but not the points.
26 June 2026
It was a performance that left the squad with a clear sense of unfinished business.
The week that followed brought further disruption. Wednesday night’s scheduled Northern League fixture away to East Coast Bays was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Bay City Park, denying City the midweek minutes they had planned for and interrupting the rhythm they hoped to rebuild.
All of which adds extra weight to Saturday’s meeting with Western Springs: a chance to rebound, to re‑establish momentum, and to steady the season’s direction — with a major personal milestone adding further significance to the occasion.
The sides last met on 21 March, when Auckland City opened their league campaign with a commanding 3–0 win at Seddon Fields. Angus Kilkolly struck early, debutant Kieren Richards added a composed finish, and Dylan Manickum sealed the result late on — a performance built on control, discipline, and clinical execution.
City dictated the tempo throughout and rarely looked troubled, setting the tone for their early‑season form.
Head‑to‑Head History
Auckland City hold the advantage in the modern era, with nine wins from twelve meetings. Western Springs have taken results in the past, but Kiwitea Street has been a difficult venue for them: the Navy Blues have won four of the five encounters played there.
Overall:
- Matches: 12
- Auckland City wins: 9
- Draws: 1
- Western Springs wins: 2
- Goals: 34–16 to Auckland City
Form Guide
Auckland City – Last 5
W • D • D • W • L City’s recent run reflects a side stabilising after a demanding early schedule. Wins over East Coast Bays and Melville underline their attacking potential, while narrow defeats to league‑leaders Birkenhead show they remain competitive at the top end. Defensive structure has tightened, and attacking rhythm continues to improve.
Western Springs – Last 5
W • D • W • L • L Springs arrive with a mixed bag of results: impressive wins over Bay Olympic and Auckland FC Reserves, but heavy defeats to Fencibles and Tauranga highlight their inconsistency. Dangerous in transition, unpredictable in momentum — a side capable of troubling anyone on their day.
League Table (Northern League)
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birkenhead United AFC | 14 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 7 | 29 | 40 |
| 2 | Eastern Suburbs AFC | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 18 | 5 | 13 | 27 |
| 3 | East Coast Bays AFC | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 23 | 17 | 6 | 27 |
| 4 | Fencibles United AFC | 14 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 40 | 23 | 17 | 25 |
| 5 | Auckland United FC | 14 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 27 | 12 | 15 | 25 |
| 6 | Auckland City FC | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 12 | 14 | 24 |
| 7 | Western Springs AFC | 14 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 26 | 28 | -2 | 20 |
| 8 | Auckland FC Reserves | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 18 | 24 | -6 | 12 |
| 9 | Tauranga City AFC | 14 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 18 | 32 | -14 | 12 |
| 10 | Melville United AFC | 14 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 16 | 34 | -18 | 10 |
| 11 | Bay Olympic FC | 13 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 29 | -20 | 10 |
| 12 | Manukau United FC | 14 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 13 | 41 | -28 | 7 |
Player Milestone – Adam Mitchell (200 Appearances)
Vice‑captain Adam Mitchell is set to make his 200th appearance for Auckland City FC, if selected, to become only the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.
Since joining the club, Mitchell has embodied consistency and leadership. An All Whites international and a defensive anchor, he has built a legacy on reliability, resilience, and an unwavering competitive standard. His 199 matches to date include 11 goals, countless interventions, and a presence that has shaped the team’s identity on and off the pitch.
Auckland City FC – Top 10 All‑Time Appearances
Ryan De Vries – 255 (112 goals) Emiliano Tade – 242 (152 goals) Angel Berlanga – 229 (9 goals) James Pritchett – 203 (5 goals) Adam Mitchell – 199 → 200 (11 goals) Dylan Manickum – 196 (62 goals) Mario Ilich – 196 (17 goals) Cam Howieson – 192 (42 goals) Ivan Vicelich – 171 (15 goals) Mario Bilen – 168 (6 goals)
Mitchell now steps into a chapter reserved for club greats — a milestone that adds emotional weight to an already significant fixture.
Auckland City seek to rebound, restore momentum, and reassert themselves in the league’s upper tier. Western Springs arrive with ambition and unpredictability. The margins are tight, the stakes are rising, and Kiwitea Street — as so often — feels like the right stage for a match that could shape the season’s direction.
AFTER THE MATCH – WORLD CUP AT KIWITEA STREET
As soon as the final whistle blows on the Northern League clash with Western Springs, the football doesn’t stop at Kiwitea Street. The clubrooms will stay open as Auckland City turns into the city’s unofficial fan zone for the All Whites’ World Cup showdown with Belgium.
It’s a rare double‑header: local rivalry at lunchtime, global drama in the afternoon. The big screens will be on, the atmosphere will be loud, and the sense of occasion unmistakable — a community gathering to watch New Zealand take on one of world football’s giants.
Beyond the Cup run, the club continues to push forward with the Roskill Schools Turf Project — a modern, year‑round community space designed to give thousands of young people a safe, reliable home for football, learning and connection.
Every contribution brings the project closer to reality. Every dollar helps build a future for the next generation.
Ends.
AC SQUAD: 1. Matt FOORD (GK) 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. Shaan ANAND 14. Nico ZAMBRANO 15. Jeremy FOO 16. Fergus GILLION 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) 25. Nikko BOXALL 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
