Is there a better way to spend a long weekend than watching the National League? We’ve done the thinking for you, and  Match day 5 brings some key matchups this weekend as the table begins to take shape, check out our picks of the round in the National League Championship.

Match day preview

Western Springs vs Eastern Suburbs

7:30PM / Oct 20 / Seddon Fields 1 - Turf

When NRFL concluded Western Springs finished third and Suburbs second and after some disappointing results in the last two weeks Springs have found themselves five points off Suburbs in the Championship. They’ll be aiming to pick up three points while celebrating Jaedeci Uluvili and Lily Taitumu's 100th games for their club. Meanwhile Eastern Suburbs will want to make it three matches without a win for Springs and extend their stay at the top of the National League Championship.

Player to watch:

Ela Jerez:

Jerez is pacey with the ability to beat a player and apply a finish, as shown when she clinched Springs’  Kate Sheppard Cup win. In her last match out she once again showed her qualities against a well-drilled Wellington Phoenix Reserves defense.

Stream Western Springs vs Eastern Suburbs on FIFA+


Auckland United vs Wellington Olympic

3:00PM / Oct 21 / Keith Hay Park 1

With only five games left in the National League Championship, this matchup is pivotal. Both teams have eight points, with United sitting in third and Olympic second on goal difference. A win for either team would be a crucial three points in trying to solidify a spot in the National League top two, while a draw would be a somewhat undesirable result for both sides since it would leave the door open for Christchurch United to leapfrog them should Christchurch secure victory at the weekend.

Player to watch:

Mack Waite:

Auckland United can credit much of their win at the weekend to their goalkeeper, who made save after save to hold the clean sheet for United. Petone pushed and on another day could’ve had a few goals but Waite was determined to secure all three points for his team on the day. He was a force in his previous match against Petone and his team will need that defensive prowess come their match up with attacking juggernauts Wellington Olympic.

Stream Auckland United vs Wellington Olympic on FIFA+

Central Football vs CF Waterside Karori

2:00PM / Oct 21 / Massey University

Central Football and Karori will match up this weekend in what could be a major swing in the table should Central get a result. Both teams took losses at the weekend and will be looking to turn their fortunes around. Now we’ve passed the season’s halfway point, every result becomes pivotal. If Karori can get a win they could reignite their title hopes, while Central could also start a push for top four should they get something out of this game.

Player to watch:

Kaley Ward:

Ward played well last week against Suburbs. Though Karori lost heavily, they had some spells of possession where they could have scored, and Ward was at the centre of it all with some dangerous shots, line breaking passes and great runs. She was unlucky not to get a goal or assist out of the match but will be one to watch this weekend.

Stream Central Football Federation vs CF Waterside Karori on FIFA+


Eastern Suburbs vs Auckland City

3:00PM / Oct 22 / Madills Farm 1

It’s always an interesting clash when Eastern Suburbs play Auckland City. Though Suburbs are without a win and Auckland City are without a loss or a draw in this season’s National League Championship. While it seems like that would make it a one sided match, Suburbs have played some tough teams like Auckland United, Wellington Olympic and Christchurch United, who alongside Auckland City, make up the National League Championship top four. Suburbs are still one of Auckland’s top sides, and will be looking for nothing less than a win against City.

Player to watch:

Liam Gillion:

Finding himself once again on the player to watch list is Liam Gillion. He proved decisive for City in their last outing against Cashmere Tech, whipping the cross into a dangerous area that eventually lead to a penalty, then moments later taking matters into his own hands, winning a sprint off-for a long ball before dribbling past a defender and finding the net to seal the 3-1 win. He will be the danger man once again this weekend .

Stream Eastern Suburbs vs Auckland City on FIFA+

Article added: Friday 20 October 2023