Must-Win Clash for City in Napier

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 14 November 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC face a decisive challenge as they travel to Hawke's Bay to take on league leaders Napier City Rovers, knowing that only a victory will keep their National League destiny in their own hands.

With two rounds left in the regular season, City sit in third place, just a point behind both Napier and second-placed Birkenhead United.

For Albert Riera’s men, the equation is clear: a win would see them leapfrog Napier in the standings, and a subsequent victory in the final round against Coastal Spirit at Kiwitea Street next weekend would secure a top-two finish and a place in the title decider.

However, Auckland City are acutely aware of the challenge they face against the leaders on their home turf.

Napier have been in formidable form, securing consecutive wins against Western Suburbs, Cashmere Technical, and Coastal Spirit in their last three matches.

In stark contrast, the men from Auckland are coming off back-to-back home defeats to Western Springs and the Wellington Phoenix Reserves.

City’s last encounter with Napier in October 2023 saw them emerge victorious with a 4-2 win at Bluewater Stadium.

Additionally, their only other match against the Rovers in 2022 resulted in a 3-0 victory for the Navy Blues at Kiwitea.

As the crucial clash approaches, City will need to dig deep and deliver a performance that reignites their title ambitions.

And you can watch it Live and Free on FIFA+ HERE

MATCH DETAILS
National League R8
Sunday 17 November
Napier City Rovers vs Auckland City FC
Bluewater Stadiumt, Napier
Kick-off: 1:00pm

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