Soccer: Deja vu and lessons learned

Hawkes Bay's younger members are looking forward to testing themselves against Ivan Vicelich. Photo / Thinkstock

There is an air of familiarity about this week's round of ASB Premiership games - repeat of the match-ups just three weeks ago.

"It is a funny round in that respect," said Auckland City co-coach Aaron McFarland ahead of today's return with Hawkes Bay United. "In some ways it is quite good as the memories are fresh."

In City's case they are memories they would happily forget.

Ahead 2-0 at halftime at Park Island, City finished the match two players short and sharing the points at 2-2.

Given the O-League match a week later, Ian Hogg and Alex Feneridis (who scored City's first-half goals) served their suspensions last week and must now wait to see whether they will get a start at Kiwitea St this afternoon.

"They are back in the squad but we [McFarland and co-coach Ram Tribulietx] haven't yet decided whether they will start," said McFarland. "We have to make changes but just what they will be we haven't decided yet."

Midfielder Luis Corrales has returned to Costa Rica for a holiday but David Mulligan has made quicker than expected progress and will be on the bench.

"He is a game-breaker but we will only use him in that role if that situation arises. We don't want to push him and would rather give him the Christmas break to fully recover."

Matt Chandler brings his Hawkes Bay side north with the old "game of two halves" adage ringing in his ears.

Against City they came back from 0-2 to take a point. Last week, also at home, they led Team Wellington 2-0 before blowing that lead and losing 3-2 as the visitors snatched a late winner. "Sometimes things like this happen. It's what you do next that counts," said Chandler. "I thought the first half last week was the best we have played all season. The second half was the worst.

"It was a huge lesson. If we had won we could have been up to second.

"We are looking forward to playing Auckland City," said Chandler. "We know what to expect. You don't become a bad team overnight. It is fantastic Ivan Vicelich is back for them. Our young guys are looking forward to testing themselves against a player of his class."

Leaders Waitakere United face a big day in Christchurch tomorrow with revenge very much on their minds.

First up, Waitakere play Canterbury United in the ASB Youth League final. The teams are evenly matched. Sharpshooters Tim Payne (Waitakere) and Sam Miles (Canterbury) enjoy a share of the golden boot lead with five goals each.

In their respective semifinals Waitakere thumped Team Wellington 8-0; Canterbury beat Waikato FC 1-0.

Canterbury will be without coach Keith Braithwaite, assistant coach/player Andy Pitman and captain Dan Terris (all suspended).

PREMIERSHIP

Auckland City v Hawkes Bay United
Kiwitea St, 2.30pm today.

Canterbury United v Waitakere United
Linfield Park, 3pm tomorrow.

ASB YOUTH LEAGUE FINAL

Canterbury United v Waitakere United
Linfield Park, 11.30am tomorrow.