AUCKLAND, New Zealand - The pressure is on at Kiwitea Street as Auckland City FC prepare to host Western Suburbs FC in a pivotal Round 3 clash of the National League.
10 October 2025
Still searching for their first points of the campaign, the Navy Blues know that Saturday’s showdown is more than just a fixture, it’s a chance to reset their title defence.
After sitting out Round 1 with a bye, City endured a frustrating 3-0 defeat to Birkenhead United last weekend, playing with ten men for over an hour. Vice captain Adam Mitchell was candid post-match, calling for improvement across the board. The flashes of quality were there, but cohesion and resilience, hallmarks of Auckland City’s success, must return quickly.
Forward David Yoo believes the squad is ready to respond:
“We’ve had honest conversations this week. Everyone’s hungry to put things right. We know what we’re capable of and we’re focused on showing that from the first whistle.”
Veteran attacker Dylan Manickum echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of home support:
“Kiwitea is special. The fans, the energy, it lifts us. We’re not dwelling on last week. We’re looking forward, and we’re ready to fight for every ball.”
Western Suburbs arrive in Sandringham brimming with confidence after an emphatic 8-0 win over Coastal Spirit. Kaelin Nguyen stole the headlines with four goals, and coach Michal Walesiak’s side will be eager to prove they belong among the National League elite.
Having finished third in the Central League, Suburbs are no strangers to tough battles. Their only previous meeting with Auckland City came last season in Porirua, where the Navy Blues edged a gritty 2-1 win.
With early-season form, pride, and momentum on the line, Saturday promises fireworks. Can Auckland City FC reignite their campaign and remind the league why they’re defending champions? Or will Western Suburbs spoil the party and continue their surge?
If you can’t make it to Kiwitea Street watch the match live and free on FIFA+
Ends
Match Details
Dettol National League R3
Saturday, 11 October
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC vs. Western Suburbs FC
Kick-off: 2:00pm
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, 28 Paris DOMFEH, 29. Riley DALZIELL 30. Orlando THORPE
HEAD COACH : Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GOALKEEPER COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
