Tonight marks the beginning of a new round in the Women’s National League Championship, with the potential for the first finalist of the tournament to be confirmed. With only three rounds remaining in the league, if Auckland United wins and other results go their way, Ben Bate's team could secure their spot in the final.

Here are the matches for Round 7, starting today at 7:30 PM:

West Coast Rangers vs Auckland United

This will be the only match on Friday in the Women’s National League, kicking off at 7:30 PM at Fred Taylor Park. The hosts need to earn points and ideally win to avoid falling further behind CF-Waterside Karori. At present, CF-Waterside Karori holds second place with 14 points, while West Coast Rangers are third with 11 points.

Auckland United, on the other hand, remain unbeaten this year. Ben Bate's team is a strong contender to defend the title they won last year, and if they secure a win tonight and Canterbury United and Eastern Suburbs draw their matches, they will guarantee their spot in the final with two rounds to spare.

This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting matches of the weekend, as both teams play an attacking style and are two of the strongest sides in the tournament. West Coast Rangers are coming off two consecutive victories, helping the team recover from a shaky start where they dropped important points in the dying minutes of matches. The big question is whether they can maintain that momentum and end Auckland United’s undefeated run.

Canterbury United vs Eastern Suburbs

This will be another crucial match of the weekend, scheduled for Saturday at 12:00 PM at English Park.

Both teams are still in contention for a spot in the final, although they sit slightly lower in the standings. Each has 10 points and is four points adrift of the second position, keeping their mathematical chances of qualifying alive.

Canterbury United has shown good form throughout the league, characterised by their attacking power. Shane Verma's team has scored in every match, featuring standout players like Nicola Dominikovich and Anna Mcphie.

On the other hand, Katie Duncan’s team, Eastern Suburbs, has had a more challenging start. They failed to score in their first three matches, managing just one point from a goalless draw against Southern United at home. However, in their last three matches they rediscovered their scoring magic and are now the league's highest-scoring team. During that span they netted 18 goals and secured nine crucial points, keeping them in the race.

Western Springs vs Central Football

The match will commence on Saturday at 12:00 PM at Seddon Fields.

Both teams are coming off losses in away games. Western Springs, currently on five points in the standings can no longer qualify for the final. However, Maia Vink’s team will aim to strengthen their position at home and collect as many points as possible to build for next season.

Conversely, Central Football arrives with hopes of securing their first point this season. Jamie Dunning’s team has an average age of just 18 among its players and their primary goal is to gain experience in the remaining three matches.

It will be a great day at Seddon Fields, as Western Springs will play two matches, with their men's team facing Cashmere Technical at 4:00 PM. Additionally, the club will launch a new mental health initiative: “Kick Off for Mental Health.” This initiative aims to foster connections and support among players, coaches and members. Seamus Marten from the popular podcast ‘Between Two Beers’ will be at the event, which will feature games and activities for kids, prizes, and auctions.

Southern United vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves

Last year’s finalists will play at home in Logan Park at 12:00 PM on Saturday.

The South Island team, who finished as runners-up in the Women’s National League Championship last year, has struggled to maintain consistency in their results and is practically out of the running for a spot in the final. Although they currently sit seventh with seven points, they remain a competitive side and are always a tough opponent for any team. One of their standout players this season is Shontelle Smith, who has scored some stunning goals for the team so far in the league.

On the other hand, Wellington Phoenix Reserves are riding a wave of momentum. Callum Holmes’ side, who had lost all their matches until the previous weekend, has welcomed back several players and achieved a convincing 5-0 victory over Central Football in their last outing. While the goal for the Wellington team is to gain experience and develop players effectively, that win must have given them a confidence boost as they look to continue collecting points in their upcoming matches.

CF-Wellington United vs CF-Waterside Karori

This will undoubtedly be another thrilling match of the weekend. The clash between CF-Wellington United and CF-Waterside Karori will take place on Saturday at 2:00 PM at Martin Luckie Park.

These two teams know each other well from the Central League and each features quality players. While the ‘Diamonds’ are currently a bit off the pace for a place in the grand final—sitting sixth in the standings—a win could bring them back into contention for second place and complicate matters for the visitiors.

Meanwhile CF Waterside Karori, managed by Tomas Godoy, will come into this match with momentum after their dramatic 3-2 comeback defeat against Canterbury United. They arrive better positioned for this rivalry and if victorious, they could eliminate their opponents' chances of qualifying for the final.

Notable players to watch include Natalie Olson from CF-Wellington United, who is always a threat to opposing defenders with her speed and Kendall Pollock from CF-Waterside Karori, who is the league’s top scorer with seven goals.

You can catch all the games live and free on FIFA+.

Article added: Friday 08 November 2024