Improved Forecast Sets The Scene For OFC Pro League Action At North Harbour Stadium

Following yesterday’s washout, conditions are expected to improve for Friday’s round of matches in the OFC Pro League at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium.

South Island United will be fresh for their afternoon encounter with Vanuatu United FC, kicking off at 3.00pm, after their scheduled match against Bula FC on Tuesday was postponed due to the poor weather conditions.

Vanuatu United forward Jordy Tasip, who scored in his side’s 3–1 defeat to Auckland FC on Tuesday night, will come up against several familiar faces. Tasip previously played with a number of South Island United players during his time at Christchurch United in the New Zealand National League last season.

“They're good friends to me, so tomorrow is a special game for me,” said Tasip, who will reunite with Steven van Dijk, Ollie van Rijssel, Riley Grover, Charlie Beale and the injured Josh Rogerson.

South Island United vice-captain Ollie van Rijssel was equally pleased to see his former teammate.

“He's a legend, isn’t he. I think he enjoyed his time with us, apart from the cold weather maybe,” van Rijssel said with a grin. “He's a worker and he’ll just get stuck in.”

Vanuatu United FC head coach Lars Hopp said he is likely to rotate his squad with the team playing their third match in six days.

In the evening fixture, Auckland FC will look to make it three wins from three when Luke Casserly’s side faces Fiji’s Bula FC at 7.00pm.

“We’re really looking forward to the game,” said Casserly. “We’re two from two, so there’s a good feeling within the group, and the players are excited to be running out again on Friday night.

“Everyone wants to play, which is a great position to be in as a coach, but we also need to respect the situation. Bula FC will be well rested after their midweek match was called off, and they looked dangerous against Vanuatu.”

Bula FC head coach Stephane Auvray is expecting a competitive contest.

“We will have some good players with fresh legs, and hopefully the result will be ours,” Auvray said.

Match Schedule, Friday January 23

North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
3.00pm: South Island United v Vanuatu United FC
7.00pm: Auckland FC v Bula FC

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