By Jack Sharp
Auckland City head coach Albert Reira says his team needs to prevent Cashmere Technical from a flying start to their Men’s National League clash at Kiwitea Street on Saturday.
Last weekend, Technical raced to a two-goal lead against high-flying Wellington Olympic before eventually drawing 3-3.
Auckland City got off to a stumbling start at Napier City Rovers, trailing 2-0 before finally winning 4-2 to remain the only side with maximum league points after three rounds.
Main photo: Auckland City head coach Albert Riera … his side will guard against a poor start. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Of their opponents, Riera told his club’s website: “Against Olympic they started very well, and it’s a good example and a good reminder for us that we have to start from the get-go to be fully focussed.”
Technical are fifth in the competition and need a win to retain any chance of reaching the Grand Final, and to drag the Navy Blues back to their nearest rivals.
Riera says he’s aware of the threat from players such as free-scoring forward Garbhan Coughlan.
“They have a few players that are very dangerous upon front, Coughlan obviously is one of them. I actually played against him many years ago when he was playing for Southern United, so we all know the threat they present, especially him and we are very aware of it.
“In the National League, you play against teams that usually win more than lose in their own regional league so they are capable of beating everyone and you have to be fully focussed on every detail and aspect off the game.
READ: Auckland City’s match programme for Cashmere Technical game >>>>
Watch Albert Riera interview
Squads
Auckland City
Goalkeepers
Connor Tracey, Sebastian Ciganda, Joe Wallis
Defenders
Christian Gray, Timothy Boulet, Regont Murati, Nathan Lobo, Jordan Vale, Adam Bell, Alfie Rogers, Takuya Iwata
Midfielders
Mario Ilich, Cam Howieson, Gerard Garriga, Aidan Carey, Tong Zhou, Michael Den Heijer, Rayan Tayeb
Forwards
Jordy Tasip, Angus Kilkolly, Dylan Manickum, Ryan De Vries, Joe Lee, Oilver Colloty, Liam Gillion, Emiliano Tade, Stipe Ukich
Cashmere Technical
Goalkeepers
Matt Foord, Alex Boomer, Danny Knight
Defenders
Danny Kane, Sam Richards, Andrew Storer, Tom Schwarz, JJ Richards, James Brittain, Lachie McIsaac, Daniel Metherall, Jordan Spain
Midfielders
Caleb Cottom, Alex Ballard, Aidan Barbour Ryan, Yuya Taguchi, Phoenix Coursey, Sam Lapslie, Yusi Van Dam, Cory Mitchell, Luke Tongue
Forwards
Garbhan Coughlan, Zander Edwards, Lyle Matthysen, Declan Tyndall
Fixtures
Game to be played on Saturday October 14, 2023
Auckland City v Cashmere Technical
Kiwitea St, Sandringham, 2pm
ROUND 4: What to look for in Saturday’s Men’s National League games >>>>
Jack Sharp
Jack Sharp is a long-time follower of club football in New Zealand and is a volunteer writer for Friends of Football.
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