Auckland City FC - Thanks a Trillion

Check with Choppa...Ellerslie'd know about these things ...

Just a heads up to any ACFC fans making plans on coming down to Cambridge, people are lobbying to get the kickoff moved forward to 4 - as a 5pm start would clash with the T20 final in Hamilton, and potentially reduce the crowd. I assume this would be easier for travelling fans too.

It probably won't happen, but just a heads up - keep an eye on the time the game is scheduled for on the asbp website.

Adam McGeorge, born 1989. David Browne, born 1995.

Come on City!

See you tomorrow!

Weird game yesterday, not the most enthralling match I've seen this season.

Was reasonably even for the first 35 minutes or so, both sides with their chances, Tade trying to start some fights, and then once City went ahead in that odd fashion it seemed to spur them on and they started to dominate the game, keeping the ball for plenty of time in midfield.

WaiBOP defended well, Probert and McNeil were top drawer, but of course ACFC did their usual "kill the game off in the last few minutes" trick, deserved win.

WaiBOP have been competitive in every game this season, but it seems goals may be a problem now with the loss of both Manko and now Nikolic, there's just not enough creativity to go with the industrious defence.

Agree with all three. Strange watching footie in a mid-summer village green-type setting. Also v hot. Thanks for providing the chilled beverage selection.

Good things - 248 Service Crew on tour to Cambridge.

ACFC win 2-0 and stay top with two games in hand.

TW pump Waitakere putting them out of playoff contention for now.

Oldman Edge's post match entertainment.

Bad things - Waibop refuse entry to paying customers.

The Penix win thus relegating the ASBP completely from the Herald, Radio Sport etc and we'll never here the end of it.

Funny thing is that it's often mentioned on here that ACFC is unwelcoming. I believe our clubhouse is always open to travelling supporters before, during and after the match... I believe that there is always an announcement at the end of the game to invite people to the clubhouse also.

I think what they do at WaiBOP is feed all the players first, as it's not like the clubrooms are ACFC-sized, and so they tend to restrict access for a while until all the players are catered for. So I believe it's more of an enforced rule due to clubroom size, rather than a club thing, as in the past anyone has been able to go into the Narra/Porritt/wherever clubrooms.

An interesting one this... the Cambridge clubrooms appear to be reserved for players and officials after-match.

I saw my pal Grant Stantiall angrily firing up on twitter last night and taking exception to Aucklanders complaints, but my defaul sympathies are with travelling fans

I'm not sure of reason for this policy - can't recall coming up against it in recent times. There may be good reasons, but at the very least Waibop should explain why.... 

Though there was an outside bar for the great unwashed, it's a tradition in the amateur game for fans to have a drink with players, listen to the coach make a few comments. And we have established this is an amateur league.

If I had travelled 140km to back my team, I would be pissed off if I found myself segregated.

Coupla random thoughts on the game.... Auckland had a clear edge but I thought they were decidedly average in the final third (until White's spanking late second). They overplayed, and were reluctant to shoot.

I was left with the impression McNeil was kind of covering the run of one of the attackers with that first goal from the free kick and got done by a tiny touch from someone.

I thought Billen might have been better than that...

Irving was quality when he chose to go forward for Auckland. By contrast Waibop get nowhere near enough forward momentum out of their fullbacks. In the modern game you need them bombing forward.

Waibop's new signings made no impression on me. Sorry. And Scott Hilliar needs a proper run in midfield (as opposed to 15 minutes at fullback). Mark Jones is Waibops moast improved player.

Nick Robson is not really a striker. 

Funny used to really enjoy Mr H's articles , now I feel Ive read them before >>>twice maybe ...

But , is it just the away fans that are kept out ,or all the peasantry ?

I don't know the guy but seemed overly angry! Dropping the F and C bombs.

Just out of interest, I asked for you at half time but couldn't find you to say hello. 

Yes but what that because people knew they weren't allowed in there? I honestly don't know. 

On a related note, the crowd was bigger than I expected, considering the fact that some people would have decided to go to the cricket instead, the volunteers at Cambridge have managed to get a decent crowd and decent facilities going which is a credit to them when you look at what was there when they decided to make the switch, huge difference.

On the plus side ...you wont have to go there again ,this season..

Mr Holloway, if you use ALL your influence, next year you MAY get a crack at hosting a game. Although you might have to have the after match function in the changing rooms because they are definately more spacious than the clubrooms!

ACFC's clubhouse never turns anyone away after a match. It's always a great atmosphere and I like meeting up with away supporters and players. Why we even let Rex Dawkins in. If WaiBop didn't do the same for the travelling City supporters in Cambridge then that's petty nonsense. I understand there was plenty of room.

Otago United has provided the best away venue, a pub whose name I forget but was packed post-game with players and supporters. We were left nursing serious hang-overs.

Entry to clubroom was also restricted to people with VIP status at half-time, i.e. well before feeding time. I know because I was denied entry (as a non-VIP).

Correct. Partly. Ivan made the run on to Tade's FK then stooped just in front of McNeil allowing the ball to sail over his head untouched completely fooling him into diving where he thought Ivan might have made the flick on. Clever.

Not to WaiBop. They were hosting J Adshead & B Turner in some sort of seriously important VIP-only post-match function. Plebs not welcome.

In the stand directly behind the WaiBop goal.

Hello Chicken Sandwich.... welcome to the forum - but a bit of a waste addressing your very first post at me... I am not seeking to host a match or play a role in any capacity. 

I did my dash long ago... my only involvement at national league level these days is I write an occasional programme column for Waibop and do a little bit of freelance football journalism. 

But I would certainly encourage others. So go for yer life.

That's good then, thanks for clearing that up. Your ongoing "support" is always appreciated.

Ah ....its a Waikato thing !

Handbags at noon Chicken Salad !