City Aim for Victory at Porirua

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 18 October 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC will be determined to bounce back as they head to Endeavour Park in Porirua for their Round 4 National League encounter with Western Suburbs on Sunday afternoon.

The Navy Blues, held to a 1-1 draw last weekend by a resolute Cashmere Technical side at Kiwitea Street, still sit atop the table with 7 points.

They hold a slim two-point lead over Napier City Rovers and a three-point cushion over a tightly packed group of six teams in third.

Western Suburbs, on the other hand, are reeling from a 5-0 thrashing by Coastal Spirit last weekend and are yet to register their first win of the season.

Anchored at the bottom of the table with just one point from three matches, they face a daunting task ahead.

Despite the contrasting fortunes of both teams, last weekend's draw serves as a timely reminder for Albert Riera’s men that complacency can be costly.

In the fiercely competitive National League, Auckland City must bring their A-game to maintain their position at the summit.

Dylan Manickum says his side will be looking for maximum points.

“The result last week was a draw, which is not ideally what we're looking for. Obviously, this week we're looking for a win, three points, nothing less, really, to keep some momentum going for the next couple of games,” he said.

“We are working hard like normal. Obviously, tough game, there's no easy games, as we found out last weekend.

“All the teams are organised, well-prepared, so we're just doing the best we can to be prepared for the weekend,” added Manickum.

You can watch the match Live and Free on FIFA+ HERE

MATCH DETAILS
National League R4
Sunday 20 October
Western Suburbs vs Auckland City FC
Endeavour Park, Porirua
Kick-off: 1:30pm

AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Marco LORENZ 6. Kailan GOULD 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Kentaro OZAKI 15. Aston BURNS 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Areya PRASAD (GK) 19. Yuki AIZU 20. Derek TIEKU 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER 26. Rayan TAYEB 27. Stipe UKICH 28. Luka VICELICH 29. Jesse GAGE 30. Matt MATANYAYIRE

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