Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Saturday, January 24th, 5pm
Written by Jonno Ross
After losing their first away game of the season last week, Auckland FC look to right their wrongs when they come up against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday. It’s 1st place against second-to-bottom, so on paper it’s an easy three points. But we all know that football matches aren’t won on paper. Both sides will be fired up for this one. Losing is not an option for either of these two.
It feels like a lifetime ago that we were playing on home turf. Having played four of the last five games away in Australia, the boys will look forward to playing back at our home fortress.
It almost feels like the teams below us in the league are allergic to the top spot. Whenever we drop points and leave ourselves vulnerable to losing our position, the teams below us fail to capitalise. Perfect example – Sydney FC faced the Phoenix last weekend, and were the favourites to win. Instead, they lost 2-0. Very seldom do we cheer on our rivals and celebrate the ball hitting the back of the net.
Clearly, the football gods are looking down on us, cheering us on and keeping us on top of the league.
Results aren’t coming our way at the moment. We expected to get all three points last week against Melbourne City, especially after the way the first half went. We controlled the whole half. In the second half, the tides completely turned, and it was us on the back foot. At 1-1, I think it’s safe to say that our fans would have taken the point home with us.
The Mariners’ season isn’t going to plan thus far. They find themselves in 11th place in the league. Every game they play from now on is a must-win game. Currently sitting 8 points off a playoff spot, they can ill afford to lose again. Going 11 points off a playoff spot would just about rule them out of finals football, barring a miracle.
However, the Central Coast Mariners can be an unpredictable side. They can lose four in a row and seem to be ‘easy beats’, and next week they’ll pull off an unexpected win. Case in point – beating Adelaide away. 4-0 after not winning their previous four. It’s that unpredictability that Auckland needs to be wary of. Yes, we beat them 2-1 in the reverse fixture, but this week could be a totally different beast.
We have to be on our toes, full concentration and focus, and make the most of our opportunities, which we’ve been lacking lately.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
I’m saying his name every week, and deservedly so. The A Leagues player of the month, Lachie Brook is on fire, and is joint top goalscorer in the league on 6 goals. He’s scored in four of our last five games. Hopefully he can carry this form on, and keep finding the net. He’s an absolute weapon, and is arguably the signing of the season out of all clubs in the competition. We’re lucky to have him.
Sabit Ngor is one for the AFC side to keep an eye on. He’s scored in three of his last five appearances, and will be wanting to contribute in his side’s quest to climb up the ladder. The 25-year-old Kenyan will look to find any flaws in our defence. He’s certainly a dangerous man.
FUN AT GO MEDIA STADIUM
As always, there are always fun activities for families and kids put on by the club! The inflatable slide is in action once again. And in exciting news, THE AUCKLAND FC BEACH IS BACK!
Also, this week, we have a scavenger hunt happening at 3:30pm, and it ends at 5pm (kickoff). There’s a special prize up for grabs – the first four people to finish, and bring a token to the information desk will win an exclusive post match on field experience. Read more here.
Don’t worry, if you miss out on a token, there are still plenty of prizes up for grabs! More information on the scavenger hunt tasks will be given on the day.
SAM CELEBRATES THE 09
Keep an eye on English striker Sam Cosgrove, and not just for the goals he scores.
The player will be swapping his usual number 9 for ‘09’ to mark Auckland Anniversary Weekend. The club obtained special permission from the A-League to change its shirt number and will be auctioning off the shirt for charity after the game.
Make sure you’re at the game to celebrate Auckland Anniversary with Auckland’s favourite sports team.
