Soccer: City need a point in PNG for final spot

Auckland City goalie Jacob Spoonley. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A point from this afternoon's tricky assignment against former Oceania Champions Hekari United in Port Moresby will be enough to book Auckland City their place in this season's O-League final with a game in hand.

City have travelled to Papua New Guinea with a perfect four-from-four record and hold a five-point lead over Hekari, who would need to win today and again in the final round to have any chance of claiming group B.

Group A is closer but again, Waitakere United might be in a position to claim the honours in another tester in Ba tomorrow afternoon. Waitakere are three points clear of the Fijian champions and two ahead of second-placed Tefana.

If Tefana, who upset Waitakere 3-0 a couple of weeks ago, do not beat Mont-Dore today, Waitakere could seal the group with a win tomorrow. They will know the result of the game in Papeete before they run out at Ba's Govind Park.

Auckland City, defending champions and unbeaten this season, will have new signing Ivan Ruiz in O-League action for the first time.

Goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley returns after injury to further bolster the squad still without Ian Hogg and Emiliano Tade.

Coach Ramon Tribulietx is happy with the acquisition of Spanish midfielder Ruiz, who had his first taste of domestic football in last week's ASB Premiership win over Hawkes Bay United.

"He's very good at playing that last ball and, when you look at our style, that is probably one thing we miss sometimes," said Tribulietx.

Waitakere coach Neil Emblen will give his players a light run this morning before flying to Fiji.

While Waitakere have stuttered on away trips in both competitions this season, Emblen is confident they can turn it around. He takes heart from last Sunday's ASB Premiership win over Team Wellington.

"A few of the boys have been a bit fatigued at training this week," said Emblen.

"That has come from the extra effort I asked for and got against Team Wellington. I don't mind if they are tired at all trainings so long as they have put in an effort like that."

Emblen loses midfielder Martin Bullock to suspension but happily welcomes back Aaron Scott after he played from the bench last Sunday.

In other action today, two matches in the White Ribbon Cup - for teams not involved in the O-League - will be played.