As we head into Round 5 of the men’s National League Championship, we thought we’d take a look at which young players have played the most minutes for each club so far this season. 

Auckland City FC – Joe Lee (346 minutes played)

Winner of the goal of the week this week, Auckland City’s 20-year-old attacker Joe Lee has played every Championship game so far, only missing 14 minutes. A regular during the Northern League season, where he scored 5 goals, the former North Shore United player has become a key man at The Navy Blues since joining in February.

Auckland United – Oli Fay (252 minutes played)

Winger Oli Fay has played in all but one of United’s Championship games so far after being an ever-present from Round 9 in the Northern League onwards. Picked as part of the squad squad for the OFC U-19 Championship, where he played in 6 games, Fay will be one of a number on this list looking to continue his good form to secure a place in Darren Bazeley’s plans for the U20 World Cup next year. 

Birkenhead United – Corbin Piper (315 minutes)

Corbin Piper has played over 90 minutes more than any other U20 player for Birkenhead so far this season, showing the importance of the 20-year-old defender/defensive midfielder to the North Shore side. 

Cashmere Technical – Alex Ballard – (350 minutes) 

Still only 17, attacker Alex Ballard has played all but 10 minutes for Cash Tech in the Championship after playing in 17 of the 18 Southern League games. 

Christchurch United – William Pierce (333 minutes)

A midseason transfer from Ferrymead Bays, attacker William Piece hit the ground running for Christchurch United scoring 4 goals in 6 games in the Southern League. In the Championship the 19-year-old has played in every game so far. 

Melville United – Oliver Colloty (339 minutes)

Melville United have given an impressive number of minutes to players under 20 so far this National League Championship season, secondly only to Wellington Phoenix. Top of the list is forward Oliver Colloty who has played in every game so far. It’s been a memorable season so far for the 19-year-old, scoring 14 goals in the Northern League plus two goals in the final of the OFC U19 Championship. 
 

Wilson Souphanthavong playing for Miramar Rangers against Cashmere Technical
(Credit: Photosport NZ)

Miramar Rangers - Wilson Souphanthavong (300 minutes)

Attacking midfielder/winger Wilson Souphanthavong joined Miramar Rangers midseason, finishing as their 4th highest U20 appearance maker, but is out in front in the Championship playing over 100 minutes more than any other Rangers player.  

Napier City Rovers – Oscar Mason (360 minutes)

Consistency is the word for Napier City Rovers’ Oscar Mason. The 18-year-old goalkeeper played every minute of every game in the Central League and has continued his record in the Championship playing the full 90 in all four games. 

Wellington Olympic – Jesse Randall (317)

Despite not playing his first game until May, attacker Jesse Randall still played the most minutes of any U20 player for Wellington Olympic in the Central League season, scoring 10 goals. The former Hawkes Bay United and North Wellington player has started the Championship in great form, playing in every game for 2nd placed Wellington Olympic.   

Wellington Phoenix – Dan McKay, Isaac Hughes, Lukas Kelly-Heald (all 360 minutes)

All three of Dan McKay, Isaac Hughes, Lukas Kelly-Heald have played every minute of every game for the Nix this season as part of the defensive core of the side. All were key players during the Central League, topped by Dan McKay who played the full 90 minutes 15 times in the Nix 18 games. 


Article added: Saturday 29 October 2022