Soccer: Auckland City feeling pain of tough schedule to maintain season's success

Success is coming at a price for Auckland City - as evidenced in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Vanuatu's Amicale in their O-League catch-up game.

It was a real test for the players who kept their season's unbeaten record at all levels other than Fifa's Club World Cup, with head coach Ramon Tribulietx admitting his players felt the effects of the tough schedule. Tomorrow's ASB Premiership clash with Waikato FC won't be any easier.

"It was very tough and the players were very tired in backing up after a hard game against Canterbury on Saturday," said Tribulietx. "That game came after a long break which too made it difficult.

"I spoke to players like Jacob Spoonley and Daniel Koprivcic who came to the ground straight from work and they said how tired they felt. But we still got to take the points which is good."

Coaching staff also have to deal with the absence of four players. Ian Hogg and Sam Campbell are on trial overseas, Andreu Guerao is back in Europe and Thomas Doyle is at an American University. They also lose Luis Corrales for two matches through suspension.

Losing Hogg has been perhaps the most difficult for Tribulietx who has had to make adjustments defensively.

"He has been one of our top players and not just this season."

Auckland City beat Waikato 5-1 away in the season's first game but Tribulietx does not expect a repeat.

"They try to play a similar way to the way we do. I have a lot of respect for Declan Edge and what he is trying to do. It is great for New Zealand football. He is looking at the process not the score and they are now beginning to get the results they deserve."

Waikato travel to Kiwitea St on the back of away wins over YoungHeart Manawatu and Otago United.

Hawkes Bay will again be without suspended skipper Bill Robertson.

Waitakere United coach Neil Emblen has the home ground advantage. Otago are at home to Team Wellington and Canterbury entertain Manawatu.