AUCKLAND, NZ - Auckland City return to Kiwitea Street on Saturday with the chance to extend their winning streak to five straight Northern League victories, a run that has lifted Rudy Mozr’s side back into the top‑four conversation as the season approaches its midpoint.
22 May 2026
City sit 4th on 19 points, part of a tightly packed upper tier chasing Birkenhead United, and arrive in strong form. Last Friday’s 3–1 win over Auckland FC at Fred Taylor Park — achieved after overturning a 1–0 halftime deficit — felt like a statement of resilience as much as quality.
Captain Mario Ilich said the group took real satisfaction from finally getting one over their cross-city rivals.
“I think it was good to finally get one over Auckland FC. They’ve kind of been our bogey team over the last year and a half, so it was good to get those three points. We had a slow start conceding early, but the boys came out in the second half and really put the game to bed.”
Angus Kilkolly, in the sort of rhythm that defines seasons, struck twice to make it four goals in his last three matches, while the second‑half control suggested a team rediscovering its bite.
Ilich believes the recent run is a reflection of a squad that has finally settled.
“We’ve got quite a new team and new coaching staff, so it’s taken a while to gel. Those connections on and off the field are coming together now, and the boys are really enjoying our football. That’s showing in the results.”
Melville United, currently 8th on 10 points, travel north buoyed by a 2–0 win over Manukau United. Their recent form has been mixed, but they remain capable of unsettling opponents when given space and momentum.
With the Navy Blues back at home, Ilich is clear about the importance of maintaining momentum.
“It’s another test and they’re going to be up for it. But we love playing at Kiwitea Street. We want to make it a fortress again this year. We’ve been working hard at training this week and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”
Form Guide
Auckland City – Last Five (4th place)
| Round | Fixture & Result |
|---|---|
| R10 | AFC Reserves 1–3 ACFC |
| R9 | ACFC 1–0 East Coast Bays |
| R8 | Bay Olympic 1–4 ACFC |
| R7 | ACFC 4–1 Fencibles United |
| R6 | Tauranga City 0–0 ACFC |
Melville United – Last Five (8th place)
| Round | Fixture & Result |
|---|---|
| R10 | Melville United 2–0 Manukau United |
| R9 | AFC Reserves 3–2 Melville United |
| R8 | Melville United 1–3 Western Springs |
| R7 | Melville United 0–1 ECB |
| R6 | Melville United 0–2 Birkenhead |
Head‑to‑Head: Auckland City FC v Melville United
Some fixtures carry history; this one carries certainty. Auckland City have faced Melville United eight times in competitive play — and won all eight.
It is a record built on control, big‑moment finishing and a habit of rising when the matchup demands it. The most recent meeting, on 31 August 2024, saw City edge a lively contest 3–2 in Hamilton, with a brace from Derek Tieku and another from Joe Lee sealing the points.
All‑Time Results
| Date | Venue | Score | Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15.05.21 | A | 3–0 | Tade, Kilkolly, Manickum |
| 26.03.22 | H | 2–1 | Kilkolly, Manickum | Colloty |
| 04.06.22 | A | 1–0 | Lee |
| 26.11.22 | H | 2–0 | De Vries, Lee |
| 22.04.23 | H | 3–1 | Lee 2, Kilkolly | Panzer |
| 22.07.23 | A | 1–0 | Lee |
| 20.04.24 | H | 7–3 | Garriga 3, Lee, Gillion, Manickum, Kilkolly | Oakman, Cave, OG |
| 31.08.24 | A | 3–2 | Tieku 2, Lee | Panzer, Brown |
Record: Played 8 | Won 8 | Drawn 0 | Lost 0 | GF 22 | GA 7 | Pts 24
U23s: Back in Action and Building Momentum
The Young Navy Blues return from last weekend’s bye with fresh legs and clear intent as they host Melville United at the Croatian Club at 11:30am.
Two weeks ago, they delivered one of their most assured performances of the campaign — a 2–0 win over East Coast Bays built on discipline, sharp combinations and a clinical edge.
Captain Manraj Singh set the tone; Carlos Stulich applied the finish. With rhythm restored and the season tightening, the group will look to continue their upward push.
Club Milestones
Northern League – 300th Goal
Last Friday’s win also carried historical weight: Auckland City scored their 300th Northern League goal, with Kilkolly providing the landmark strike.
Northern League Record:
| Matches | 116 |
| Wins | 88 |
| Draws | 17 |
| Losses | 15 |
| Goals For | 302 |
| Goals Against | 97 |
| Points | 277 |
| League Titles | 4 (record‑equalling) |
Player Milestones
| Player | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan De Vries | 249 | 112 |
| Adam Mitchell | 195 | 9 |
| Dylan Manickum | 191 | 62 |
| Mario Ilich | 190 | 17 |
| Gerard Garriga | 147 | 17 |
| Alfie Rogers | 147 | 6 |
| Regont Murati | 98 | 11 |
| Nathan Garrow | 43 | 0 |
Goals – 62 Club Legends Tier
| Player | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Keryn Jordan | 80 | 62 |
| Dylan Manickum | 191 | 62 |
- Keryn Jordan — 80 apps / 62 goals
- Dylan Manickum — 191 apps / 62 goals
Manickum now stands level with one of the club’s most revered forwards.
On This Day: 23 May 2024
Auckland City edged AS Magenta 1–0 in Tahiti in the OFC Champions League semi‑final, courtesy of a Stipe Ukich winner.
Two days later, the Navy Blues lifted the trophy for the 12th time, beating AS Pirae 4–0 — another chapter in a continental legacy unmatched across Oceania.
Mt Roskill Schools Turf Project
Auckland City FC proudly supports the Mt Roskill Schools Turf Project, a community‑driven initiative to deliver a modern, all‑weather facility for thousands of young people across the Roskill area.
For years, local fields have struggled with flooding, closures and limited capacity. This project changes that: year‑round access, floodlit training space, modern changing rooms and a genuine hub for sport, learning and connection.
It is an investment in opportunity, belonging and the next generation — values that sit at the heart of the club’s Academy and pathways.
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
