Auckland City FC - Thanks a Trillion

 http://www.aucklandcityfc.com/news/article.asp?ID=437

2-1 Waitakere.

¡Manda huevos!

Waitakere won 2-1 but you would not call that a reflection of the game.

It was a pretty ordinary game to be honest. Auckland tried to play the possession game but Waitakere really pressed and made Spoonley play the long ball. There were passengers on both sides - the Japanese left back is way out of his depth and Sam Matthews was extremely ineffective. Mulligan was much the same. Jason Hicks was the bright light for ACFC and much a similar player to Mulligan but has a ton of pace. Pritchett looked extremely fit. At one point, there was only 3 kiwis on the field for ACFC (just wanted to throw that in). Ivan took the first one for ACFC on a good header, Snufflupagus got a lucky rebound off Spoonley into the net from a keeper clearance and I can't quite remember the 2nd Waitak goal.

The game got messy in the 2nd half with it getting a bit tetchy. I think that the boy Albert was lucky to stay on as he went in studs up on Pearce from behind in the Achillies. Also thought Berlanga got a good rub too and should of had a second yellow for a hold that just broke down the play. Snuffleupagus is a bit dirty and had the 1st 3 fouls in the 1st 5 mins. Pearce and Scott both got fiery - in the case of Pearce, he was just being a twat. Danko looked well past it. Danny Robinson made some cracking saves as well.=

Waitakere will struggle this year if this is it. They looked mostly unfit and some pieces really do not fit but it seems obvious that Marshall has picked his favourites over better players (Del Monte, Matthews, Morgan, Cuneen). Auckland tried to play possession football at all cost and really should have been a bit more direct. They do wait for the cross field switch to try to get forward in hoping that the defense slides right across the field and leaves the other wing exposed.

Not a game that anyone should cry about missing.

And to throw in, the 'All Ireland League XI' Brian Shelley was not much chop. Played on the left but used his left peg for standing on and was very lucky to get out of jail. He will be exposed a fair bit.

thanks jeff, that's a good run down

what position did daniel morgan play?  was he any good?

who stood out as being decent?

Dan Morgan is a fantastic player IMO.  Attacking mid is where I think he operates best, but I've seen him play everywhere except in goal.  Will be interesting to hear where Marshall had him.  And Manko popped up with the winner - I think he has unregonised ability.  To be honest I'm pleased Waitak won even if they didn't deserve to because it will keep City honest.

Fair cop, as I have admitted. ACFC has lost too many kiwi players in the past two years and taken in too many imports IMO. However there are a number of exciting young kiwi players in the wings coming through - Arms, Carmichael, Browne and Illich. There is just an age gap between the wave that have left and the new one coming through. In reality ACFC is now semi-professional and it's chief goal is the O League and the Fifa Club World Cup. It's a step up from the rest of the ASBP in terms of set-up but not at the level of the Phoenix.

I think the ASBP is a decent pathway for the best talent to make it through to the A League now that Herbert has to take note (I credit the new owners) of local players - Rojas, Brockie, Fenton, Boyd are great examples.

Strange to see Dan Morgan playing for Waitakere today. I still remember fondly his perfect pass to Ricki Van Steeden for that wonder goal to sink the African Champions TP Mazembe in 2009. Then there was Chad Coombs in red as well, and I also fondly remember his screamer in that same Club Wolrd Cup. I did note that when Chad ran on as a sub for Waitak he did slap hands with Danko. Or was he throwing a punch and I misread it? I'm told this ACFC youngster Browne is a real talent for the future.

Auckland City Vs The Cantabs this Sat 2pm Kiwitea Street - get down there Aucklanders and support your local team.

It's wonderful that the national league has started again after a too long winter break. While I've enjoyed supporting Central United the ASB Premiership is a step up and there's nothing like supporting the boys in blue. Canterbury are worthy opponents so every true Auckland football fan should be at Kiwitea Street on Saturday afternoon. See you there Ali.

Only three Club World Cup wins from playing CHELSEA!

stu kelly has signed for auckland

5-2 but not a reflection of the game.

1st half Canty were guilty of turning the ball over in dumb parts of the field and the ACFC counter really hammered them. 3-1 at the half and it looked like it was going to be a stroll. It went 3-2 in the second including a cheeky dink in from the PK from Clapham (note: you wont get away with that again this year). They pushed ACFC harder and made them look rather ordinary at times. a deflection and a lucky goal and then it went 5. The quality of the play was not flash in my opinion and thats why I think the score line is not a reflection of the game.

Observations:

Jason Hicks has the most educated left foot in the country hands down. What was even more puzzling was when he was dragged for Corrales. When Hicks came off, ACFC struggled and it was apparent.

Adam Dickinson is just a thug. His opposite Russell Kamo is a whiney b*tch and I struggle to see how this guy gets picked every week. If these two are the standard for strikers in the league, then I can see why the Phoenix struggle to pick up young NZ strikers.

The Bulgarian boys that played for Canty, the CB was not bad but the guy up front was well out of his depth. He needed 3 touches to be able to do anything and it seemed like he needed 30 mins to sort himself when he got the ball. If this is the strike partner for Kamo then Canty are in toruble this year.

ACFC are looking in extremely fit shape. Chris Bale no longer plays like a hard man and scored a classy goal for the 3rd one showing some skill that casual spectators of the last few years would not have known he had. Bought it down on the right and slotted it with the left in the same motion on an acute angle with power.

Was probably the worst game I have seen Berlanga play. Was lucky to stay on the field and how he was not cautioned in the 1st half for that tackle (subsequent yellow for a penalty) is beyond me. He made some dumb fouls in dumb positions that Canty did not capitalise on due to poor delivery. Also under pressure, he just hoofed it into the stand every time.

Canty dragged Josh Smith (the other ranga) in the 2nd half but he was the only other player on the pitch doing anything for Canty and gave Clapham the support he needed. That substitution was when the gates opened cause at 3-2, it was close. Darren White and Dan Terris had moments as well.

The Japanese boy was again rather poor, for the 2nd week in a row. I know its a case of drumming up local support for the CWC but at least pick someone that can play.

I think only 4 Kiwis played for ACFC (Willliams, Pritchett, Hicks and Ivan)

thanks jeff, nice run down

add koprivcic and feneridis to your list of kiwis

Clapham has done that cheeky dink penalty for the past 5 or so he has taken.  Someone will work that out!

Here's my write-up and photos from the game. Also a short video.

http://in-the-back-of-the.net/2012/11/03/the-best-little-football-ground-in-the-world/ 

Stu Kelly would not get a run in this team. When you think that Exposito, Spoonley and Milne did not suit up and they still bought on 3 ESOL players (how is that ricleroc, good enough for you??), they really have more players than they can poke a shitty stick at.

There is a Tokyo prep match against Phoenix A this Wednesday at 5.30 over at Kiwitea Street.

Sounds like the sort of match with six substitutions and a change of goalies at half time.

The more game time the better, to shake off any early season rust.

In fairness to that, you say he had an outstanding game, I didn't think he really did much. You are fan/stalwart/supporter, I'm just there to watch the football. I thought Jason Hicks was far better than him although he should be given a little more freedom to roam rather than be told to stick to the left flank.

Jordan, Young, Danko, Exposito, Urlo. They are not in any way the same type of player and scored more than a few so I disagree that he is exactly the type of player you need up front. In my opinion, he offers little other than trying to be a hardman and gob off at everyone. I have leveled that same accusation at Bale in the past too but this year, he is focussing on playing football in the 2 games I have seen and looks really good. Imagine how Dickinson would be if he chose to do the same...

Get to Kiwitea St this Sunday for the top-of-the-table clash - should be a good one!

 Auckland City

ASB Premiership - Round 3
Kiwitea Stree, Sandringham

Hawke's Bay United  

Sunday 18 November, 2012 
Kickoff: 2.30pm

I'd need to back and review but pretty sure you have shown symptoms.

Are the Phoenix killing the game in New Zealand?

Is anyone who supports the Phoenix a traitor to NZ Football?

Is the ASB Premiership better than the A-League?

Do you believe in a conspiracy that NZ Football fund the Phoenix with money and rob the ASB Premiership?

If you answer yes to any of those then you are showing knitting tendancies.

I'd need to back and review but pretty sure you have shown symptoms.

Are the Phoenix killing the game in New Zealand?

Is anyone who supports the Phoenix a traitor to NZ Football?

Is the ASB Premiership better than the A-League?

Do you believe in a conspiracy that NZ Football fund the Phoenix with money and rob the ASB Premiership?

If you answer yes to any of those then you are showing knitting tendancies.

Have you ever referred to the Phoenix as an "Aussie" team?

Do you consistently fail to see the irony of referring to the Phoenix as an "Aussie" team while your own team is stacked with Spaniards?

Do you believe it is actually impossible to support both ACFC and the Phoenix?

Do you feel a little bit dirty every time you need to come on the Yellow Fever forum simply to find someone to talk to?

Yes? Definite knitter.

Be careful Term. You are being racist calling them all Spaniards.

I prefer the term ESOL players (ESOL is English for Speakers Of another Language or English as a 2nd language for those that are not aware of the term - you OK with that still Rich?)

The point is they are not good honest Kiwi footballers with coal on their faces.

 Be careful Term. You are being racist calling them all coal face. The United Negro College Fund obje....

Are the Phoenix killing the game in New Zealand?   When they play kick and hope, for sure.
Is anyone who supports the Phoenix a traitor to NZ Football?  What you do in the privacy of your own home is up to you but please wash you hands afterwards.
Is the ASB Premiership better than the A-League?  In the ASB P I am awake at the end of game.
Do you believe in a conspiracy that NZ Football fund the Phoenix with money and rob the ASB Premiership?  I'll show you my figures if you show me yours.
Have you ever referred to the Phoenix as an "Aussie" team?  It works quite well as a distraction.  The time between suggesting that and a goal against Team Welly is about two minutes.
Do you consistently fail to see the irony of referring to the Phoenix as an "Aussie" team while your own team is stacked with Spaniards?   If ACFC really was a fully professional club, the Phoenix would lose their licence, as NZ not supporting a pro team is part of the terms.  So talk about Spaniards all you like.
Do you believe it is actually impossible to support both ACFC and the Phoenix?  I'm from Auckland, you're from Wellington.  My interest wanes at the Bombays.
Do you feel a little bit dirty every time you need to come on the Yellow Fever forum simply to find someone to talk to?  Ah, the 'home of football', where all footie supporters in NZ get to share their views in total harmony.   It helps to take penicillin and wash with Swarfega.  Most of the talking is done at the club house mid week and after the game, so who cares.
Do I say this without a hint of anger. Of course.
Okay, banter and p*** taking out of the way.

The big question is how far off full fitness is ACFC for the Club World Cup.  The other issue is whether Sanfrecce or Sendai get through and the style of play we are going to face.  Good article from FIFA today FIFA ACFC Article Link 

Hawkes Bay have knocked over Waikato and Manawatu.   Waitakere only beat Waikato 1 nil.  So how good are HBU or are Waikato, HBU and Waitakere, kind of at the same level.

Spoonley has been studying for law exams (such a fulltime pro footballer) , so how will Tamati go in goal?

Answers provided 2.30 at Kiwitea Street, Sandringham.

The irony being if you *were* a full time professional club, you'd have to release 3/4 of your squad because of import quotas... 

It's all banter and piss taking though right?

Make that 1/3 and take off those who qualify for citizenship via length of time or relationships and we down at next to nothing. 

But being a community club  (i.e. we really do represent the community, we really do have lunch together at the clubhouse)  there is no need to rush around changing passports, unlike a professional club.

....

Back to the footie, do you think TW will struggle against the new look Waikato.