The last round of the National League Championship is here and while the men’s final is locked in, it is all to play for in the women’s competition. 

FOUR teams, Auckland United (19 points), Southern United (19 points), Eastern Suburbs (18 points) and Western Springs (16 points), could make it to the big show next weekend so it is going to be a dramatic final round…

CF Wellington United vs Auckland United FC
1:00PM / Nov 19 / Petone Memorial 1 Turf Auckland

United moved top of the table after a win over Western Springs last weekend and sit ahead of second-placed Southern United on goals scored.  

Being top of the table will not give them any respite though as they still need to win in the final round to confirm their place in the Grand Final, with Springs, Southern and Suburbs all chasing. 

A draw *could* be enough but it would depend on other results, and they won’t want to take that risk. 

Player to watch - Bree Johnson: 

Johnson was a constant threat from wide against Springs, making forward runs and chasing back defensively to help her team hold on to a vital win. She also popped up with the crucial goal that decided the match last round so United will be looking to their No. 9 for a repeat performance on Sunday. 

LINK TO WATCH ON FIFA+


Western Springs vs CF Waterside Karori
2:00PM / Nov 19 / Seddon Fields

Kate Sheppard Cup holders Western Springs must win to keep their hopes of being in a second Grand Final in two seasons alive. 

Currently sitting in 4th on 16 points, Springs have the advantage of having the best goal difference in the league on +16. If the top two lose, and Springs win, that would see them in the Grand Final.

But CF Waterside Karori will not be an easy game and come into the match off the back of a big win against Wellington Phoenix in the last round. 

Player to watch - Sofia Garcia:

Springs have a real weapon in Sofia Garcia, the league’s top scorer with 8 goals. To have any chance of making the Grand Final they have to win and will be looking to their striker to deliver the crucial goals.  

LINK TO WATCH ON FIFA+ 

 

Southern United vs Ellerslie AFC
2:00PM / Nov 19 / Logan Park 1

While Auckland United, Eastern Suburbs and Western Springs are very familiar with each other, after battling it out since March in the Lotto NRFL, Southern United have been the team to crash the Auckland sides top of the table party and are in great form. 

A dominant win 4 – 1 over Central United in the last round saw them go equal top with Auckland United and they arguably have the easiest game in the final round, at home to bottom of the table Ellerslie. 

Ellerslie however will have other plans and come into the game after pulling off the result of the season last weekend by beating the top side going into Round 8, Eastern Suburbs, 1 – 0 to blow the league wide open.  

Player to watch - Amy Hislop:

The Southern United No. 10 has six goals this season, two of which came last week in the team’s 4 – 1 win. Hislop contributed heavily to the result, firstly with two goals, one outrageously from a corner, but she also played the long pass down the wing to start the attack for the second goal and applied the flick on pass into the box which led to the third. 

LINK TO WATCH ON FIFA+ 


Canterbury United Pride vs Eastern Suburbs
2:00PM / Nov 19 / English Park S1

After dominating the league earlier in the season, few would have predicted that reigning champions Eastern Suburbs would be depending on other teams results to see if they can qualify for the Grand Final. 

But Suburbs are an incredibly strong side and despite the shock loss to Ellerslie last week they will be giving it their all to return to Mt Smart next weekend. 

Because of having a worse goal difference to the teams above them, realistically only a win will do.

Canterbury United sit in midtable but have a long history of winning at national league level. The Pride consistently dominated the ISPS Handa Premiership and even if they can’t qualify for the Grand Final themselves they will want to have a say in who does. They will also take confidence from the fact when they played each other last season it was the Pride that took all 3 points in a 2 – 1 win.  

Player to watch - Charlotte Lancaster:

Lancaster has scored 7 goals this season, the second highest in the league, and will be wanting to return to scoring form after not being able to find the back of the net last time out. 

LINK TO WATCH ON FIFA+

Article added: Saturday 18 November 2023