Preview: Women’s League Rd 3 Auckland v WaiBOP Football

The third round of the ASB Women’s League gets going on Sunday with crunch games around the country as the race for the top three goes on...

Auckland Football v WaiBOP Football Sunday 25 October, 1pm William Green Domain, Howick, Auckland #AFvWB

Referee: M Knight Assistant Referees: B Day, H Osborne Fourth Official: M Archer

Auckland Football Coach: Kristy Hill

Coach comment: “We were really disappointed with the result last weekend, the conditions down there were pretty tough and we didn’t really manage to adjust. We weren’t able to perform some of the basics. Controlled possession was a bit lacking but I’m not sure if that was down to the conditions or the players themselves. It’s going to be a big clash for us this weekend, our girls know a lot of the players from the WaiBOP team so they’ll go in with some expectations. But for us it’s just about focusing on the things we want to see, regardless of the opposition. If we focus on the things we need to do then that will put us in good stead.”

Fact: Auckland will be without the services of veteran Hayley Bowden but possess more than enough international experience to compensate for the loss of the former Football Ferns skipper and ex-Chelsea FC star. Indeed, exactly half of the 16-strong match day squad have worn the silver fern at various levels with goalkeeper Rebecca Rolls and striker Jasmine Pereira having played for the senior side while Elizabeth Anton, Jade Parris, Nadia Pearl, Isabella Richards, Megan Robertson and Sophie Stewart-Hobbs have all represented their country in the age-groups.

WaiBOP Football Coach: Juan Bautista Propato

Coach comment: “This year every team in the ASB Women’s League is very competitive and we won’t have any easy games. I know [Auckland coach] Kristy Hill quite well and I guess she is not happy with their draw against Football South last weekend. Auckland will try to win the game on Sunday to stay in the playoff hunt. For us it is the most important game of the season so far because a win will keep us in the top three, but a draw or loss will give the other teams a chance to overtake us.”

Fact: Tightening up at the back will be the chief focus for the visitors in Auckland after coughing up a 3-0 advantage at home against Capital last week.