Abel Walatee and Western United eager for shot at beating Auckland FC for a second time this season

Having shocked the A-League earlier this season with a 4-0 thrashing of Auckland FC, Western United get another chance to beat the competition leaders on Saturday.

Saturday’s visit of Auckland FC to Ironbark Fields holds no fears for excitement machine Abel Walatee, whose Western United team can become the first side to beat the A-League leaders twice this season.

United shocked the competition with a 4-0 thrashing of Auckland at Go Media Stadium in December.

It was competition newcomers’ first A-League defeat, and the manner of the loss proved that United were indeed a threat this season.

“The plan was to not give them a chance to breathe,” Walatee said in recalling his side’s memorable dismantling of a team that had only conceded three goals in seven previous matches.

“The boys went at them with a lot of energy. They’ll probably be out for revenge this weekend, but this is a game I’ve been looking forward to, knowing the feeling we had after beating them after the run they had been on.

“It gets me up for it, it gets me excited, and it we beat them, it’ll put us in a really good spot

on the ladder.”

Putting in the work for Saturday 😅☀️ pic.twitter.com/XsAdFRU8mM

— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) February 12, 2025

However, third-placed United will have to win without their best player, midfielder Angus Thurgate, who is suspended after being booked for a fifth time this season in his side’s 2-2 weekend draw with Macarthur FC.

“He’s been very good for us. It’s going to be a good challenge for us to see how we go without him,” said Walatee, who scored against the Bulls.

Even without Thurgate, the form of a host of United’s younger brigade, including Walatee, should ensure a difficult test awaits Auckland.

“(United coach) John Aloisi believes in me. By giving me all these chances, it shows me that he’s got a lot of faith in me,” Walatee said.

“He’s proud of me and he’s happy with my progress in the team and how everything’s going. I just need more game time to continue growing.”

Walatee, who turns 21 later this month, has started in seven of his 14 A-League appearances this season, and has scored three goals.

“There are a lot of young players in our squad like myself that came through the NPL system as well, and a lot us are making good progress, and having an impact on games, whether that’s coming off the bench or starting in games,” the attacker said.

“Whatever the boss (Aloisi) wants me to do, however he wants me to play, I’m happy to play that way for the team.”

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Originally published as Abel Walatee and Western United eager for shot at beating Auckland FC for a second time this season