Already in the second round of ISPS Handa Premiership in New Zealand we are going to have the biggest rivalry currently in play at Kiwitea Street: Auckland City vs. Team Wellington. The both sides are turned into the two biggest forces of football in New Zealand competing for the national title for several years – having their dominance broken in the last season with the title won by Eastern Suburbs then coached by current All Whites coach Danny Hay.
Both sides won in their first match in the competition: Team Wellington at home shown all of their quality when beating 5-1 the good team of Hamilton Wanderers. Hamish Watson scored a double to help TeeDubs to start the season in fashion. The Navy Blues played away from Auckland and travelled to Napier to play against Hawke’s Bay United. The seven-time New Zealand champions had some difficulties but could win away from home by 3-2, the debut of Myer Bevan was a success since the former Vancouver Whitecaps striker netted a hattrick.
The clash of the two current most important teams will be certainly the most entertaining match of the round; who wins will create a three point-advantage from their opponent what can mean a lot in the table at the end of the season. This match will be telecasted by SkySport.
In the other four matches of the day, Wellington Phoenix Reserves and Hawke’s Bay United will be looking to bounce back from their first round loses. Canterbury United will be looking to have their first win in the season after being defeated away from home to Eastern Suburbs – Southern United recorded a very impressive win by 4-0 in Otago against Tasman United.
In the Porrit Stadium, Hamilton Wanderers will hope for a good performance of Tommy Semmy and Derek Tieku to surpass the current champions Eastern Suburbs. The Lilywhites had a very hard win against Canterbury United with a goal coming from the youngster Jake Mechell while Wanderers suffered a dissapointing defeat against Team Wellington at David Farrington Park by 5-1.
The young talents of Waitakere United displayed a good performance against Wellington Phoenix Reserves winning them by 3-1; they will be facing Tasman United in Nelson in the both sides second match in the league. Tasman United will be looking to have a better performance in front of their fans after suffering a heavy defeat in Otago against Southern United.
Oceania Football Center 