Western Springs are one of only three clubs left to threaten Auckland City’s hopes of completing their winter season undefeated — and the sides meet under floodlights on Wednesday night.
The Navy Blues are undefeated after 30 games this season in the Northern League, OFC Champions League and Chatham Cup.
They meet a Springs side unbeaten in their last six games but facing the champions with a depleted squad.
In an interview posted by the club’s social media, coach Chris Zoricich says he will have only 14 players available for the midweek match.
“I’m not happy the fact that we’re playing Auckland City this week,” he said, saying his squad was having to play three games in eight days.
About Wednesday’s game, Zoricich said: “It’s going to be very difficult.”
Main photo: Springs head coach Chris Zoricich.
Springs unbeaten since June
Since last losing on June 24, Springs have produced three wins and three draws in a useful run in which they have found their goalscoring touch.
The side has found the net 18 times in those six games, with Dawson Straffon responsible for five of them.
In their last game, Springs fired early, going to a 4-1 lead before eventually drawing 4-4 with Takapuna.
READ MORE: Click here to watch video replay of Takapuna 4-4 Western Springs >>>>
Meanwhile, Auckland City return to Northern League action after winning the OFC Champions League, and reaching the final of the Chatham Cup.
READ MORE: Click here for more about Auckland City’s OFC Champions League title >>>>
READ MORE: Click here for more about Auckland City’s Chatham Cup run >>>>
City’s run-in for an undefeated season
With the Northern League title already won, City have two fixtures to complete.
Auckland City now play three games in 12 days to determine whether they can go undefeated and pull off a dream trophy treble.
Northern League
Western Springs v Auckland City
Wednesday August 31, 2022 (7.30pm)
Seddon Fields, Westmere, Auckland
Auckland United v Auckland City
Saturday September 3, 2022 (3pm)
Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill
Chatham Cup
Auckland City v Eastern Suburbs
Sunday September 11, 2022 (4pm)
North Harbour Stadium, Albany
What comes next
When City’s winter season ends, the Navy Blues will join nine other clubs in the National League’s Championship which starts in October.
READ MORE: Click here for the 10 teams that will contest the National League >>>>
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