Soccer: Bragging rights at stake as Auckland and Waitakere go head-to-head

Auckland City coach Allan Jones manages to retain his sense of humour in spite of learning this week that he will almost certainly be without ace striker Keryn Jordan until the New Zealand Football Championship playoffs.

"Same story," said Jones. "The players all limped in on Tuesday, parked their crutches, saw the physio and limped away home."

On a more serious note he conceded the cartilage damage Jordan sustained in a tackle early in last Sunday's game against Waikato FC in Rotorua would require an operation next week and up to five weeks rehabilitation.

"He was in a lot of pain. It was made worse because his knee locked but at least he was able to straighten it 24 hours later and there was no swelling," said Jones.

While Jones will be without the league's top goalscorer for tomorrow's key battle with Waitakere United at Kiwitea St, Jones is confident Paul Urlovic will return after missing last week's game.

The odds are against Waitakere who have yet to beat City - or even take a point from them. United go into the game without Shannon Cole who was sent off in the win over Hawkes Bay, but will have Chris Jackson, George Suri and Craig Wylie.

City are without Chad Coombes who was sent off in Rotorua.

Waitakere do at least go into the game with some confidence having gone unbeaten in their last three away games.

Jones, despite having won six out of seven at Kiwitea St this season and scoring eight goals to four against Waitakere in four clashes over the two NZFC seasons, remains wary. "This is your usual local derby. League placings count for nothing," said Jones.

"This is about who is king of the heap and who has bragging rights down at the Viaduct Basin come Sunday night.

"This is our version of premier league clashes between Liverpool and Everton, Manchester City and United or Newcastle and Sunderland. There is no holding back."

With All Whites coach Ricki Herbert certain to be leaning over the fence and with starting spots against Malaysia a week later at stake, James Pritchett and Ross Nicholson (Auckland City) will be keen to impress as will extended squad members Simon Eaddy and Craig Wylie (Waitakere United).

Canterbury United, who play Auckland City in the curtainraiser to next Sunday's international at QE II Stadium, are at home to Waikato tomorrow and keen to win after going down to Manawatu in Palmerston North. With five of their last seven matches at home, Canterbury are well-positioned for a late charge.

In today's only game, Hawkes Bay are at home to Team Wellington.