Football: Super City derby reaches 50-match milestone

Auckland City FC and Waitakere United's Super City football rivalry reaches the 50-match milestone when the pair clash in the ASB Premiership on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images.

Auckland City FC and Waitakere United's Super City football rivalry reaches the 50-match milestone when the pair clash in the ASB Premiership on Sunday.

The pair first met on 21 November 2004 when Auckland won 3-1 at The Trusts Arena thanks to two goals by Paul Urlovic and one for Liam Mulrooney, goals that cancelled out a Keryn Jordan penalty for Waitakere.

Now 49 matches and just over 10 years later, Auckland City FC coach Ramon Tribulietx says Waitakere United are a tough rival worthy of total respect.

"The Waitakere United match will be very difficult for us.

"Apart from being another Super City derby, this is a match that usually has everything that sets up a great game.

"Waitakere are also looking to secure an ASB Premiership playoff spot," he says.

Adding further spice to the Super City derby's golden occasion is the presence of players with former Auckland City FC connections in David Mulligan and Chris Bale.

The return of Jake Butler - a veteran of Super City derbies - from Singaporean football lends more experience and know-how of the domestic game's most fierce rivalry.

"Waitakere have a very experienced and balanced team, with the likes of Butler, Mulligan and Bale in midfield.

"They also have guys like Andy Boyens and Brian Shelley at the back and that makes them a very difficult opponent.

"Players like these know how to play these type of matches and we will need to step up after a bye last week to be able to compete," Tribulietx says.

With so much history swirling around this Sunday's match, Tribulietx says his focus remains on his one game at a time approach but is thankful for the opportunity last week's bye gave to prepare for this next match.

"In the Canterbury game I think we paid for our efforts against Team Wellington and WaiBOP in our mid-week match prior.

"The first 20 minutes of the Canterbury game were difficult. We were playing against a well-tuned rival and it took us a while to adjust physically and mentally to the game.

"But when we did so I think we created enough chances to take the three points and secure the minor premiership.

"We've had a good mental break but I hope we can return quickly as a Super City derby is one of the big games of the season. The intensity and dimension of this match will demand the best from us," Tribulietx says.

The match kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 8 March at Kiwitea Street.