Champions Return: Auckland City FC Set for Fierce Northern League Clash with Birkenhead United

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (PS) — Auckland City FC, just days after securing their 13th OFC Champions League title in Honiara, are back on New Zealand soil and quickly shifting focus to a pivotal Northern League showdown against Birkenhead United on Good Friday at Shepherds Park.

The Navy Blues, managed by Paul Posa, return from a grueling fortnight in the Solomon Islands where they played five high-intensity matches in humid conditions. Now second on the Northern League table and trailing Auckland United by two points, Auckland City aim to reassert their domestic dominance against a red-hot Birkenhead side.

This fixture is more than a regular league match. It’s a rematch of the 2024 National League grand final where Auckland City edged Birkenhead 2-1 after extra time. The rivalry has grown with each encounter, mixing dominant wins with nail-biting finishes.

“It’s been an unbelievable few weeks with the boys,” said striker Myer Bevan. **”The conditions in Honiara were tough, but it got us ready for the season. Birkenhead are disciplined, strong, and always tough to break down. We know what’s at stake and we’re ready to go again.”

Birkenhead United remain unbeaten in the 2025 campaign, posting two wins and two draws from their opening four matches. They sit just one point behind Auckland City and are relishing the chance to overtake the reigning champions on their home turf.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

• Dec 1, 2024: Auckland City 2-1 Birkenhead (AET, National League Final)
• Sep 29, 2024: Auckland City 3-1 Birkenhead
• Sep 18, 2024: Auckland City 4-2 Birkenhead (AET)

Match Details:

Northern League – Round 5
Friday, April 18
Birkenhead United vs Auckland City FC
Venue: Shepherds Park
Kickoff: 3:00 PM NZT
Watch Live: FIFA+ (Free streaming)

Auckland City FC Squad:

1. Conor Tracey (GK), 2. Mario Ilich (C), 3. Adam Mitchell, 4. Christian Gray, 5. Nikko Boxall, 6. Kailan Gould, 7. Myer Bevan, 8. Gerard Garriga, 9. Angus Kilkolly, 10. Dylan Manickum, 11. Ryan De Vries, 12. Regont Murati, 13. Nathan Lobo, 14. Jordan Vale, 15. Jeremy Foo, 16. Joe Lee, 17. Jerson Lagos, 18. Areya Prasad (GK), 19. Dylan Connoly, 20. Matt Ellis, 21. Adam Bell, 22. Tong Zhou, 23. Alfie Rogers, 24. Nathan Garrow (GK), 25. Michael Den Heijer, 26. David Yoo, 27. Haris Zeb, 28. Otto Ingham, 29. Kentaro Ozaki, 30. Jackson Manuel, 31. Ryan Ellis, 32. Paris Domfeh

With Auckland City FC chasing both domestic and regional silverware, this top-of-the-table clash may set the tone for the rest of the season. One thing is certain: Good Friday at Shepherds Park is primed for a classic.