Auckland City defender Adam Mitchell says his side won’t underestimate Bucklands Beach when the sides meet in Saturday’s Chatham Cup tie at Kiwitea Street.
“We obviously understand that Bucklands are a few leagues below us but they are at the top of the table, so the game today’s going to be a really tough game,” Mitchell told NewstalkZB‘s D’arcy Waldegrave.
More than 20 places separate cup holders Auckland City — who are second in the Northern League — and underdogs Bucklands Beach who lead the Lotto NRFL Northern Conference, two tiers of competition below.
Main photo: Adam Mitchell … ‘anything can happen.’ Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
‘We’ve got to make sure we’re on top of our game’
“Every game’s going to be tough. It’s like the FA Cup in England … you never know what’s going to happen. There’s always that underdog effect coming into play, as well, so they’re going to play like it’s their cup final.
“We’re the defending champions so we’ve got a lot on the line,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell (27) said Auckland City were fit after their OFC Champions League campaign and were training 3-4 times a week to prepare for the rest of their season.
Their 5-0 midweek win against Manukau United had helped prepare them for the Chatham Cup tie but the Navy Blues would just deal with one game at a time in the cup.
“You never know what you’re going to come up against … and when teams come to Kiwitea Street, they know it’s a big stage and obviously, they want to win games as well.
“There’s 11 players on both teams, so anything can happen.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re on top of our game.”
READ MORE: Neutral fans spoilt for choice as Chatham Cup’s third round gets underway >>>>
Listen to Mitchell’s interview
Here’s the full 5-minute interview:
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday June 17, 2023
Auckland City v Bucklands Beach
Kiwitea St, Sandringham, 2pm
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