Navy Blues look to mark Jubilee

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 16 August 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand -Kiwitea Street is set for a thrilling Chatham Cup semifinal clash, on a special day for the club, as Auckland City FC host Birkenhead United on Sunday.

For the Navy Blues, this game holds added significance as it coincides with the club’s 20th Jubilee celebrations. A host of former players, coaches, and administrators will be in attendance to mark this milestone and provide an extra layer of emotion and history to the occasion.

This match marks the third encounter between these fierce rivals since mid-July and with both teams having already secured their spots in the National League starting in September, the focus now shifts to this high-stakes knockout cup match, which promises to be a spectacle of footballing prowess and intense rivalry.

The last meeting between these two teams took place on Wednesday, 7 August, at Shepherds Park, where Auckland City FC showcased their dominance with a commanding 3-1 victory over Birkenhead United.

That win not only solidified their position at the top of the Northern League but also marked the Navy Blues’ 600th game in their illustrious history.

Just three weeks earlier, the Navy Blues demonstrated their resilience by battling back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a hard-fought draw against Birkenhead at the Croatian Club.

This ability to fight back and secure crucial points has been a hallmark of Auckland City over the years.

Looking back at their encounters in 2023, Auckland City FC delivered a comprehensive performance, securing a 2-0 victory and leaving their opponents struggling to find answers. In another Northern League meeting on Easter Friday last year, the Navy Blues dominated Birkenhead with a 5-1 thrashing at Kiwitea Street. The 2022 season also saw keenly contested matches, with Auckland City recording two wins and a draw against their rivals.

As the teams prepare to face off once again, Auckland City FC will be buoyed by their recent successes and the support of their jubilant fans. The Navy Blues have a rich history of rising to the occasion in crucial matches, and with the added motivation of their 20th Jubilee celebrations, they will be eager to secure a place in the Chatham Cup final.

Birkenhead United, on the other hand, will be determined to spoil the party and avenge their recent defeats. Known for their tenacity and fighting spirit, Birkenhead will undoubtedly bring their A-game to Kiwitea Street, making this semifinal a must-watch for football fans.

With both teams in top form and a place in the Chatham Cup final at stake, Sunday’s match promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with passion, skill, and drama. As Auckland City FC celebrates two decades of footballing excellence, the Navy Blues will be looking to add another memorable chapter to their storied history.

HEAD TO HEAD

NORTHERN LEAGUE

07.08.24 BUAFC 1-3 ACFC
17.07.24 ACFC 2-2 BUAFC
24.06.23 BUAFC 0-2 ACFC
07.04.23 ACFC 5-1 BUAFC
13.07.22 BUAFC 3-5 ACFC
30.04.22 ACFC 3-0 BUAFC

NATIONAL LEAGUE
15.10.22 BUAFC 2-2 ACFC

CHATHAM CUP
11.07.21 BUAFC 3-3 AEST (PEN) 1-3 ACFC

CHATHAM CUP HONOURS
AUCKLAND CITY FC - WINNERS 2022
BIRKENHEAD UNITED - WINNERS 2016, 2018

MATCH DETAILS
CHATHAM CUP SF
Sunday 18 August 2024
Birkenhead United
Kiwitea Street
Kick-off: 2:00pm

AC SQUAD: 1-Conor TRACEY (GK), 2- Mario ILICH (c) 3- Adam MITCHELL, 4-Christian GRAY, 5. Marco LORENZ, 6- Kailan GOULD, 8-Gerard GARRIGA. 9-Angus KILKOLLY, 10-Dylan MANICKUM, 11-Ryan DE VRIES, 12- Regont MURATI, 13-Nathan LOBO, 14. Matthew MATANYAYIRE 15. Luka VICELICH, 16-Joe LEE, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 18 - Areya PRASAD (GK), 19-Liam GILLION, 20- Derek TIEKU, 21- Adam BELL, 22-Tong ZHO, 23- Alfie ROGERS, 24-Joe WALLIS (GK), 25- Michael DEN HEIJER, 26-Rayan TAYEB, 27-Stipe UKICH.

COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE