Soccer: Waikato coach relishing Auckland visit

Willy Gerdsen is relishing the chance to bring his Waikato FC team to Auckland for the first time this season.

"We are looking forward to the challenge and will not be afraid of Auckland City," said Gerdsen, a popular coach for many seasons at winter league club East Coast Bays. "We have a lot of respect for Auckland City. They deserved their 1-0 win over Waitakere United last weekend.

Having watched that key ASB Premiership clash, Gerdsen said he felt his team had a chance of getting something from today's game.

"We have made some progress with the team who finished bottom last year," said Gerdsen. "This is a transition season for us but change takes time. It is not going to happen overnight. Even Auckland City have taken time to adjust to their changes.

"We had a good game when we played them very early in the season and deserved a draw. Two curling David Mulligan freekicks cost us that time. We have gone on from there and are now a chance for the play-offs. If we keep knocking on that door it will open eventually."

Gerdsen, with assistant Rod Grove, should have former City (and East Coast Bays) defender Phil Edginton in his squad today following his transfer in the mid-season window. He also welcomes back experienced Nathan Strom and Ryan Zoghby who has been doing some modelling work in Italy.

City will need to make changes with captain Ivan Vicelich and Adam Dickinson out through suspension. They have Adam McGeorge and Manel Exposito back and have brought in Riki van Steeden and goalkeeper Liam Little (after his transfer from Waitakere).

Now on the charge, City will be keen to continue their unbeaten run stretching back to mid-November. A win could take them into second place if Team Wellington stumble against Waitakere at Newtown Park this afternoon.

ASB Premiership
* Auckland City v Waikato FC
* Kiwitea St, 3pm today
* Referee: Matt Conger

Team Wellington v Waitakere United
* Newtown Park, 3.30pm today
* Referee: Mike Hester