Navy Blues March Into Quarter-Finals

For 54 minutes at Kiwitea Street, Auckland City were trapped in one of those Chatham Cup afternoons where reputation counts for nothing and patience becomes the only currency. Takapuna arrived organised, disciplined, and utterly unafraid, turning the first half into a test of nerve rather than dominance. By full time, the scoreboard read 3–0, but the story was far more complex — a Cup tie that swung violently in the space of two minutes and only then settled into familiar territory.

A First Half of Frustration and Warning Signs

Auckland City controlled the ball early, but Takapuna controlled the mood. Shaan Anand went down in the box inside four minutes, the referee unmoved, and from there the visitors’ resolve hardened. Corners came and went at both ends, with Harry Watkin heading onto the roof of the net and Michal Doudera later rounding Fernando Orduna only to somehow miss the finish.

Dilanee Zoutacha was a menace throughout the opening half hour, stretching Auckland City’s defensive line and forcing Matthew Foord into sharp interventions. Even when the Navy Blues carved out chances — Watkin from close range, Anand with a sight of goal — Orduna stood firm. By the break, Auckland City had dominated possession but Takapuna had produced the better chances. Goalless, tense, and simmering.

Second half: Two Minutes That changed Everything

The second half began with the same edge. Thomas Golding was clattered by a heavy challenge, earning Takapuna a yellow card, and Auckland City continued to probe without reward. When Ben Allan found space for Takapuna at 53 minutes, it felt like the match was drifting into dangerous territory for the favourites.

Then, in the space of two minutes, everything flipped.

At 54 minutes, the ball broke kindly for Dylan Manickum inside the area. One touch, one finish, and finally the deadlock snapped. Relief washed around Kiwitea Street.

Before Takapuna could reset, Ryan De Vries struck again — a composed finish that doubled the lead and transformed the match. From stalemate to breathing room in a heartbeat.

Closing the Door

Takapuna kept pushing, refusing to fold, but Auckland City now carried the authority they had lacked earlier. As the final minutes approached, Connor Cahill‑Fahey nearly produced a moment of magic at one end, only for Auckland City to break immediately upfield. Golding was brought down by Orduna inside the box, the referee pointing to the spot without hesitation.

Angus Kilkolly stepped up and dispatched the penalty with trademark calm to make it 3–0 — a scoreline that felt harsh on Takapuna, who had contributed far more than the numbers suggested.

Cup Run Continues

Auckland City march into the quarter‑finals, but this was no routine Cup victory. It was a reminder that even giants must suffer before they advance, and that Takapuna, disciplined and daring, were worthy adversaries. For the Navy Blues, the story of the afternoon was simple: patience, pressure, and two minutes that changed everything.

U23s  Record Gutsy Win 

Earlier in the afternoon, the club’s U23s delivered a performance every bit as gritty as the First Team’s — a 2–1 victory over Western Springs, achieved despite finishing the match with nine players.

The Young Navy Blues showed remarkable resilience, and the difference was the prolific young striker Bono Kacurov, who scored both goals to secure a vital three points and underline his growing influence at U23 level.

Mt Roskill Schools Turf Project

Auckland City FC is proud to support the Mt Roskill Schools Turf Project — a community‑led effort to deliver a modern, all‑weather facility for thousands of young people across the Roskill area.

For too long, local fields have faced flooding, closures and limited capacity. This project provides a long‑term solution: year‑round access, floodlit training space, upgraded changing rooms and a genuine hub for sport, learning and connection.

It is an investment in opportunity and belonging, and in the next generation of players and young people — values that sit at the heart of the club’s Academy and development pathways.

Ends

CHATHAM CUP  R4
Wednesday, 4  July
Kiwitea St
Auckland City FC 3 (Dylan MANICKUM 54’, Ryan De VRIES 56’, Angus KILKOLLY 89’)
Takapuna FC  0  

HT: 0-0

AC: 1.Matt FOORD (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4.  5. Nathan ROSTRON 7. Michal DOUDERA (8. Gerard GARRIGA 46’) 10. Dylan MANICKUM (16. Fergus GILLION 65’) 11. Ryan De VRIES (9. Angus KILKOLLY 57’) 13. Shaan ANAND  19. Dylan CONNOLY 21. (15. Rhys DAVIES 76’) Adam BELL 27. Tom GOLDING 

SUBS NOT USED: 18. Ari PRASAD (GK)

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