AUCKLAND, New Zealand - The floodlights will illuminate more than just the pitch at the Croatian Club on Wednesday night. they’ll shine on Auckland City FC’s bid to snap their winless run and reclaim lost ground in the Northern League.
20 May 2025
Sitting fifth with 16 points after a stuttering spell of two losses and a draw, the Navy Blues are eager to restore their status as title contenders.
Their opponents, Manurewa AFC, have endured an even tougher campaign, stranded at the foot of the table with just four points from ten matches. But a glance at the record books warns against complacency.
While Auckland City FC have historically dominated this fixture, winning five of the six previous encounters, Manurewa’s sole triumph arrived in August last year, a gritty 2-1 victory at War Memorial Park. And just last month, Rewa stunned the league’s pace-setters, Eastern Suburbs, with an emphatic 4-1 win, proving that when underestimated, they can strike with force.
Across their six previous meetings Auckland City have scored 15 goals while Manurewa have netted four. Last time these sides met, it took a moment of ice-cool nerve from Myer Bevan to separate them. His penalty was the difference in a hard-fought 1-0 victory, where City had to dig deep to secure the points.
Now, with Wednesday’s clash shaping into another high-stakes battle, the Navy Blues will look to harness the occasion to revive their campaign.
The game could also mark major a milestone for Adam Bell, who stands on the verge of his 50th appearance for the club, should he get the nod.
Under the floodlights, with points precious and pride on the line, the stage is set for Auckland City FC to rise once more. Kick-off at 7:30pm.
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R13
Auckland City FC vs Manurewa AFC
Wednesday, 21 May 2025,
Croatian Club
KO: 7:30pm
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 CONNOLLY, 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
