Another successful weekend for the AFF East City National League team - this time on our home court at ASB Stadium. It was five wins out of five to take the boys 11 points clear at the top of the table.
Dylan Manickum scored seven goals to go to the top of the golden boot race with 10 goals. Bakr Al Saudi also stayed in the hunt with 3 goals to take him to 7 overall while Felipe Bernardi and Richie Sullivan continued their excellent form. Felipe's chip from halfway against Futsal South and Richie's two goals against Mainland were just two of the many highlights from the weekend. The team also welcomed back keeper Elias Billeh. Well done everyone, especially Nathan who has taken the team to a new level this year.
Here's what the ASB Futsal National League Series One Guide had to say about our team after Series One.
"AFF Futsal East City stamped their class all over Series One in December, slamming in 25 goals to go to the top of the table after four unbeaten games. They will take some stopping on their home court in Series Two.
After a straightforward 8-2 victory over NFF Futsal Massey and a 12-1 demolition of Central Futsal - Hawke’s Bay on day one, Auckland accounted for league title contenders Capital 2-1 and Mainland Canterbury 3-0 in two of the big games of Series One.
The depth of the Auckland squad was always a factor, with player/coach Nathan Robertston having seven current or ex-Futsal Whites to call upon. Rising stars Richie Sullivan and influential playmaker Felipe Bernardi were also a factor for Auckland, with both players enjoying solid weekends in Series One.
Meanwhile goals flew in from all over the court for East City, Futsal Whites captain Marvin Eakins and Bakr-Al Saudi leading the way with four apiece while reserve Futsal White goalkeeper Clayton Chappell looked to be the top shot stopper on display with a series of commanding performances throughout the weekend."
Next up its Series 3 and finals in Wellington on March 17/18. Go East City!
Series Two - ASB Stadium, Kohimarama
v Capital Futsal W 5-2
v Central Futsal Hawke's Bay W 6-0
v Mainland Futsal W 2-0
v Central Futsal Manawatu W 4-1
v Futsal South W 3-0
East City is proud to be represented in the 2011/12 ASB Futsal National League.
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Back Row: Miro Major (Vice Captain); Felipe Bernardi; Dave Manickum (Asst Manager); Nathan Robertson (Player/Coach); Danilo Mosca (Manager); James Hart; Bakr Al-Saudi. Front Row: James McCarthy; Callan Manickum; Richard Sullivan; Marvin Eakins (Captain); Dylan Manickum; Ouadhah Ragued; Clayton Chappell
Here's what the ASB Futsal National League Series One Guide had to say about our team.
"AFF Futsal East City start this year’s National League as one of the favourites, with proven class throughout a squad that features seven current or ex Futsal Whites and Brazilian playmaker Felipe Bernardi (Brazil).
Led by player/coach Nathan Robertson, AFF Futsal also welcome Futsal Whites skipper Marvin Eakins who missed last year’s National League due to ASB Premiership commitments. They are joined by 2012 Futsal Whites team mates Dylan Manickum - scorer of twelve goals in last year’s National League and 2010 NZ Football Futsal Player of the Year, Miro Major.
Experienced utility Bakr Al-Saudi has long been a fixture in New Zealand futsal and will look forward to linking up with club teammates Felipe and Ouadeh Ragued - all highly skilled campaigners on the Auckland futsal scene.
Former Futsal White Clayton Chappell takes back the No.1 goalkeeper spot from the absent Elias Billeh, while youngsters Callan Manickum, James McCarthy and Richie Sullivan join another ex Futsal White James Hart in making up the twelve."
Download full Series One Media Guide here...
Check out the draw below for Series Two fixtures. And make sure you get along to ASB Stadium on 11/12th February to support the boys in their quest to become 2012 ASB Futsal National Champions!
Series One - Edgar Centre, Dunedin
v NFF Futsal Massey: Won 8-2
v Central Futsal Hawke's Bay: Won 12-1
v Capital Futsal: Won 2-1
v Mainland Canterbury: Won 3-0
