Plenty at stake in three midweek Northern League match-ups

Hamilton Wanderers and Auckland City meet in a midweek clash at Porritt Stadium that could prove crucial to the aspirations of both Northern League clubs.

Wanderers, currently sixth in the competition, need to win to maintain their push for a top four spot and qualification to the Men’s National League.

Defending champions Auckland City can ill afford to drop points as they are in a head-to-head battle with Eastern Suburbs for the league title.

The Wednesday night game kicks off at 7.30pm, one of three midweek catch-up games being played in the Northern League.

For Wanderers, the side will be trying to extend their unbeaten home record to eight games, as they try to close the gap on nearest rivals Western Springs.

*Hamilton Wanderers’ Brock Messenger … will make his 50th appearance for the club. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.*

Brock Messenger will play his 50th game for Wanderers, while home supporters will be able to congratulate Xavier Pratt who celebrated his 175th appearance at the weekend at Manurewa.

Auckland City head coach Albert Riera is not underestimating the Navy Blues’ Waikato opponents.

He told the club’s website:

“Always tough in Hamilton; we just came back from Melville and we just managed to win that game 1-nil, so it’s always tough against Hamilton, and it’s not going to be different this time around.

“The reality is when you play for Auckland City, it’s a must-win game every time. Whoever we play against, we try to impose ourselves, play good football first and try to win the game.”

Auckland City drew 2-2 with Eastern Suburbs at the weekend, ensuring both sides remain unbeaten after 17 games.

Wanderers lost 4-1 to Manurewa.

While Auckland City will be chasing three points in Hamilton, title rivals Eastern Suburbs take on relegation-threatened Takapuna at North Harbour Stadium.

Takapuna snatched a vital 2-0 win at Manukau United at the weekend to climb off the bottom of the table.

In the night’s other game, Birkenhead United host Manukau United with both sides looking to recover from their weekend losses.