Interregional football finally kicks-off this weekend with the start of the National League: South Central Series but who from the four clubs in the women’s competition should you be looking out for? 

Canterbury United Pride won the last ISPS Handa Women’s Premiership in 2020 to compete back-to-back-to-back titles. They will come into the South Central Series as the team to beat. 

Having 124-cap Football Ferns legend Annalie Longo in midfield gives the Pride we wealth of experience. They can also count on a number of returning players from last season, including Team of the Season picks Britney-Lee Nicholson and Rebecca Lake. 

But being such a strong side is always likely to catch the attention of other teams. Striker Gabi Rennie, whose 2020 form saw her called up to the Football Ferns, is now with Indiana University. Replacing her one goal-a-game average will be important for coach Alana Gunn. Emerging young defenders Kate Taylor and Zoe McMeeken have also been snapped up to join the Wellington Phoenix A-League Women’s side. 
 

Canterbury United Pride host Southern United this Sunday at 2pm. Watch live on Sky Sport Next.


Second-placed finishers in 2020, Capital Football will have something to prove after their 4-0 loss in the final last year. 

As with the Pride, Capital can also call upon international experience in defender Anna Green, with the 78-cap Fern staying on with the team in Wellington. 

Domestically there is experience across the squad with the versatile Kennedy Bryant is set to make her 50^th appearance this season for the side (currently sitting on 47 games). 

Leading the line will be 2020 golden boot winner Kaley Ward whose 6 goals in 6 games powered her team to the Grand Final. 

Young stars Helena Errington and Olivia Ingham will be looking to make an impact this year after strong regional seasons. 
 

Capital Football travel to Central Football this Saturday at 2pm. Watch live on Sky Sport Next.


Central Football will be looking to improve on their 2020 season, having finished bottom of the ladder in the Women’s Premiership. With 12 new players added to the roster for this season they have every chance of being a bit of a surprise package for the league. 

Aimee Atkins is one to watch. One of the most experienced players in the side playing in her 4^th campaign, her influence on the team will play a massive part in Central’s performance. 

Looking to fire in the goals will be Jessie Falloon who had a great regional season. Playing in her 2^nd year at this level, Jessie will be looking to establish herself as leading starter in this campaign having scored 9 goals for Palmerston North Marist in the W-League over the winter. 
 

Central Football host Capital Football this Saturday at 2pm. Watch live on Sky Sport Next.


Dunedin’s Southern United finished mid-table in 2020 but with the worst goal difference in the league, something they will be looking to improve upon for the South Central Series. 

Midfielder and captain Rose Morton may only be 21 but has international experience from playing at two age-group World Cups and will play an important role for the side. 

The squad can call upon a number of new players for this season including striker Margarida Dias who has impressed coach Graeme Smail:

“Margi is new to town and new to the squad as a first-year student. She’s been performing well at training and is one to watch out for.” 

Another player Smail singled out was new goalkeeper Amy Simmers “She’s previously played for Central and she’s been looking great between the sticks throughout pre-season.” 
 

Southern United travel to Canterbury United Pride this Sunday at 2pm. Watch live on Sky Sport Next.

Article added: Friday 05 November 2021