Western Springs vs Wellington Olympic

This weekend’s action in the National League kicks off on Saturday at 5 PM, with Western Springs set to host Wellington Olympic at Seddon Fields. This game marks the only match of the day in the Men's National League Championship.

Western Springs comes off an important victory against Eastern Suburbs, positioning them in the top four. A win here would elevate them to nine points, leaving Wellington Olympic (last season’s champions) with only five points from five matches. Wellington Olympic knows this is a crucial match. The ‘Greeks’, having struggled to secure comfortable wins except for their match against Eastern Suburbs, recently drew 2-2 with Cashmere Technical after leading 2-0.

Eastern Suburbs vs Auckland City FC

The 'Lilywhites' welcome Auckland City FC on Sunday at 1 PM at Madills Farm.

Brian Shelley’s side, having played at home last week, suffered a 0-1 loss to Western Springs. Despite boasting one of the league's top scorers, Eastern Suburbs has only managed to gather four points so far, placing them second to last in the standings.

In contrast, Albert Riera’s team arrives as the sole leaders of the competition with 10 points, coming off a win against Western Suburbs at Endeavour Park. While they haven’t been as prolific in front of goal as in previous seasons, the 'Navy Blues' have the best defensive record, conceding only three goals so far. A victory would ensure they remain at least three points ahead of their closest competitors, with 12 points still up for grabs.

Cashmere Technical vs Coastal Spirit

This match takes place on Sunday at 2 PM at Nga Puna Wai and promises to be a highlight of the round. The South Island teams, both vying for a final spot, faced each other twice in the Southern League this year (with one draw and one win for Coastal Spirit) and once in the second round of the Chatham Cup, where Coastal Spirit triumphed 3-1.

The hosts, Cashmere Technical,  have already faced two top title contenders (Auckland City FC and Wellington Olympic) and sit on five points from a win, two draws, and a loss.

Coastal Spirit currently sits in second place, an outstanding feat for the team, and are bolstered by in-form players like Alejandro Steinwascher and David Yoo.

Western Suburbs vs Napier City Rovers

This encounter will take place on Sunday at 2 PM at Endeavour Park.

Both teams are well-acquainted from their time in the Central League and have already faced off twice this year, with one draw and a 2-1 victory for Napier City Rovers.

Western Suburbs is still searching for their first win in the tournament and need a victory to escape the bottom of the table. Coach Alan Koch will be without his starting goalkeeper, Quillan Roberts, who received a red card in the previous match against Auckland City FC.

Napier City Rovers, currently in fifth place, are just two points shy of those competing for a spot in the final. Despite their current position, Oscar Fauld pointed out that the standings don't truly reflect Western Suburb’s quality. As the club's top scorer this season with three goals in four matches, he will want to keep up the momentum and will undoubtedly be key for the team in  the games to come.

Birkenhead United vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves

The weekend concludes with Birkenhead United facing Wellington Phoenix Reserves on Sunday at 3 PM at Shepherds Park.

Led by Paul Hobson, Birkenhead United is coming off a crucial 4-2 victory over Napier City Rovers, marking their second consecutive win and moving them into the top three of the competition.

This weekend presents a chance for ‘Birko’ to strengthen their home advantage against a young Wellington Phoenix Reserves side. Securing a third straight victory could firmly establish them as contenders for a spot in the National League final.

On the flip side, Wellington Phoenix Reserves, while having shown promise during the league, have struggled to maintain the momentum. Given the start of the A-League, they may not be able to field key players like Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues and Fin Conchie, etc.

Article added: Friday 25 October 2024