Josh Smith 200 Caps for BBAFC celebrated after Chatham Cup football action in East Auckland
There’s action from New Zealand’s most prestigious club football competition in east Auckland next week with the local Bucklands Beach AFC (BBAFC) set to take on powerhouse Eastern Suburbs AFC.
The Chatham Cup round-two match is at 2pm on Monday, June 2, at Rogers Park in Bucklands Beach, and BBAFC is hoping to get a big turnout of locals keen to voice their support.
BBAFC plays in the NRFL Div2 and Eastern Suburbs is in the Northern League, two leagues above.
First Team coach Neil Finnigan says BBAFC is coming off a round-one Chatham Cup win over Southern Conference squad Papamoa by a score of 6-1.
He says Eastern Suburbs has had some excellent recent results and promises to be an “extremely challenging opponent”.
“With quality all over the pitch, and a strong bench to call on if needed, we definitely go into the game as firm underdogs.
“However, we’d rather challenge ourselves against the best and go into the game knowing that if we play to our capabilities, we can give a good account of ourselves.”
The game will mark the 200th First Team appearance for BBAFC stalwart Josh Smith.
“A fantastic achievement for any player proving not only his undoubted talent but his immense loyalty to the club,” Finnigan says.
“Josh has been with the First Team since its infancy, an ever-present [player] whose talent on the field is only matched by his attitude on and off it.
“An outstanding young man who has been a joy to coach. He’s a great example to players young and old.
“A tough game ahead so we will need all the support you can provide.
“Get behind the boys and you never know with a lot of hard work and bit of luck maybe we can keep the magic of the cup alive for another round!”
