AUCKLAND, NZ - Cup football returns to Kiwitea Street this weekend as Auckland City FC host East Coast Bays in Round 3 of the Delivereasy Chatham Cup.
12 June 2026
Head Coach Rudy Mozr expects a very different challenge from the previous round’s 6–0 win in Hamilton.
“It’s a tougher opponent — but that’s the beauty of the Cup,” Mozr said. “The boys are focused… even last week we played well, and I’m sure we’ll respond really well.”
🔵 City’s Cup Momentum
Auckland City arrive in Round 3 after a ruthless performance against Claudelands Rovers. The Navy Blues were three goals up inside 25 minutes — Kieran Richards, Manraj Singh (his maiden First Team goal) and Adam Kanui‑Bell putting the tie out of reach early.
Richards added a second after the break before Angus Kilkolly stepped off the bench to fire a late brace and complete the rout.
It was also a milestone afternoon for Gerard Garriga, who marked his 150th appearance for the club — a career that now includes 26 goals in Navy Blue.
Mozr says the group has carried that performance into training.
“We know where we made mistakes at the end of last week’s league match — but that’s football. You play until the last whistle.”
🔵 Opponent Profile — East Coast Bays
East Coast Bays arrive as one of the Northern League’s most competitive and well‑structured sides. Their 4–2 win over Auckland FC Reserves in Round 2 underlined both their attacking threat and resilience.
Mozr expects a proper footballing contest.
“They play good football — it’ll be a good game for the fans.”
Meetings between the two clubs are traditionally tight, physical, and decided by small moments — and the most recent encounter was no different.
🔵 Last Meeting — A One‑Goal Margin
The sides last met in the Northern League, where Auckland City edged a tense 1–0 win at Kiwitea Street. The match was decided in the 72nd minute when Angus Kilkolly struck the winner — fitting for a striker who has now reached 80 goals for the club and sits as Auckland City’s all‑time Chatham Cup top scorer with 14 goals.
Expect another fine‑margin battle on Saturday.
🔵 Milestones & Storylines
- 23rd Chatham Cup tie — 17 wins from 22 matches to date
- Kilkolly hits 80 goals — only the third ACFC player to reach the mark
- Cup King — 14 goals in the competition, most in club history
- Squad depth — 5 different scorers in Round 2
🔵 Building the Future in Mt Roskill
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.
Back the build. Back the future.
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
