Local derby whets the football appetite

Fred Taylor Park hosts the second of at least five derby matches between NZFC heavyweights Waitakere United and Auckland City when the two teams clash in a tenth round encounter this Saturday.

The top of the table clash is one of three round robin NZFC clashes between the two adversaries and with two matches scheduled in Oceania Champions League and then the likelihood of a post season NZFC appointment, the teams are nothing if not familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Truth is the weaknesses have been hard to find this season with Auckland City leading the NZFC one point ahead of Waitakere United. Both are dominating most opposition and shared the points at Auckland City earlier in the season in a closely fought one all draw.

Waitakere United Head Coach Chris Milicich knows this is a match with an added edge.

“This is the game everyone is anticipating and one that should be very closely contested between two sides that are now very familiar with each other. Our first clash of the year was a very tight affair and I expect this one to be no different. Neil Sykes returns for us but will be subject to a fitness test on his hamstring, otherwise we are relatively injury free.”

The experience factor in the return of former Auckland City captain Sykes is further added to with Darren Bazeley back in the squad after two weeks away. The only injury concerns surround long term absentees Shane Pascoe and Mikael Munday.

Milicich is warning fans not to expect a goal feast on Saturday but is warning of a quality football match between two evenly matched sides.

“Both teams have been scoring freely but I see this as being a reasonably tight affair without too many goals in it. Cool heads and a good tactical approach will win the day for either side; we will work hard to ensure that is us.”



NZFC Round Ten

Waitakere United v Auckland City

26th January, 4pm KO

Fred Taylor Park



Waitakere United Squad: 1 Richard Gillespie, 2 Jonathan Perry, 5 Danny Hay, 6 Darren Bazeley, 7 Jason Hayne, 8 Commins Menapi, 9 Benjamin Totori, 10 Allan Pearce, 11 Neil Sykes, 13 Daniel Koprivcic, 15 Chris Bale, 16 Neil Emblen, 17 Jake Butler, 20 Jason Rowley, 22 Simon Eaddy, 33 Paul Seaman