Preview: South Island United vs Auckland FC

South Island United is keen to avenge the opening day loss to Auckland FC, when the teams continue the new Kiwi derby in the OFC Pro League in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Auckland FC continues to set the pace in the new professional league, while the Christchurch-based team slipped to fourth place after their 2-2 draw against Tahiti United on Saturday.

South Island United coach Rob Sherman says that the 0-3 scoreline in the opening match at Eden Park did not fully reflect how close the game was until the dying stages.
“Considering that the Auckland game was our first ever match together as a team, I think we competed very well for large parts of the match, and we have improved with each match together since,” says Sherman, who adds that a good result against Auckland FC is vital to keep the semi-final hopes alive.

“We felt we should have taken all three points in the Tahiti match after we came back strongly in the second half, and we were very disappointed to drop two points in that match.”

As a result the Solomons Kings jumped ahead into third place after beating Hekari FC on Sunday and are now two points ahead of South Island United.

Auckland FC was close to claiming all three points in their recent match against South Melbourne, but had to settle for a draw after the home side scored an injury-time equaliser.

With a game in hand, a win for South Island United on Tuesday would put them within four points of Auckland FC, with the rained-off match against Bula FC still in hand.

Sherman says that recent results have shown that the competition is more competitive than many had predicted.

“We have been competitive in every match, but at the same time we have been pushed to the limit by every team have played so far, and there are no easy matches or easy points in this league, which is exciting for the fans.”

Sherman will have a nearly fully fit squad at his disposal, aside from winger Oli Fay picking up a foot injury in the match against Tahiti, while captain Christian Gray returns after a one-match suspension.

“The boys have been training well and there is lots of competition for places, which is a great problem to have as a coach,” says Sherman, who will have to manage suspension risks with five players on two yellow cards, and only one card away from suspension.

“You are suspended after three yellow cards and that does not give you much leeway, but we are comfortable that we have a strong squad to deal with any suspensions or injuries.”

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