Soccer: Familiar rivals set for final face-off

NZFC GRAND FINAL
Waitakere United v Auckland City
Trusts Stadium Tomorrow 2.05pm (live SS2)
Referee: Michael Hester (Auckland)

NZ YOUTH LEAGUE FINAL
Auckland City v Waitakere United
Trusts Stadium Tomorrow 11am

Four-and-a-half years ago Auckland City and Waitakere United squared-off for the first time.

City won that New Zealand Football Championship clash 3-1.

Tomorrow the long-time rivals return to that same Trusts Stadium ground for their 22nd battle.

At stake is the championship trophy and, more importantly, the psychological advantage heading into the key O-League decider, also at the same venue, a week later.

Past records heavily weigh in City's favour. They have won nine of the 21 encounters. Six matches have been drawn while United have won six. Ominously, Waitakere have not been beaten in the past eight meetings, winning five and drawing three.

In matches this summer, the O-League game at Kiwitea St in November was drawn 2-2 and subsequent NZFC battles have gone United's way - 2-1 at Kiwitea St and 4-2 (their biggest winning margin) at Trusts Stadium.

On that basis, City captain Ivan Vicelich has no problem in accepting the underdog tag but, as the Sandringham-based club have shown in the past, they never gift anyone anything.

"The team is buzzing at the way we came through the semifinal, sticking to a patient game plan, scoring some good goals and playing a good all-round game," said Vicelich.

"The club is excited about the chance to win back the title we lost to Waitakere.

"The big change is in the team spirit - we're really working for each other now which didn't happen so much at the start of the season."

Both teams go into the final on the back of strong second-leg semifinal showings.

Waitakere followed their 1-0 away win over Team Wellington with a thumping 5-0 triumph at home. City, beaten 3-1 by YoungHeart Manawatu in Palmerston North, bounced back with a strong 3-0 win at Kiwitea St.

With three straight minor premierships behind them Waitakere have a strong hand, especially as they also won last season's grand final.

On that basis, they go into the season finale as deserved favourites.

But coach Chris Milicich refuses to take anything for granted.

"The grand final is a one-off game," said Milicich, "These big games always hinge on one mistake or decision."

On that basis, Milicich is confident that referee Michael Hester will play his part.

"It is up to the referee to ensure all players are protected and allowed to play football. I think Mike Hester is up to it.

"If the game is allowed to flow it will be a great game."

Milicich's only real call in naming his starting XI is replacing right back Aaron Scott, who is on international duty in Thailand. Impressive youngster Tim Myers seems certain to take that role.

"Otherwise, it will be pretty close to the same team who played Wellington," said Milicich. "I will make the final call after we train on Saturday morning."

With Keryn Jordan likely to play a greater role in the final than he did last Sunday, City too will be pretty much at full strength.

It promises to be a fitting finish to a truncated season, with the two best teams ready to draw the battle line one more time.