By Logan Smith
Following a break for the Kate Sheppard Cup, the Women’s South Island League resumes in full this weekend with all teams set for their third match of the competition.
The week off saw Dunedin City Royals defeat Cashmere Technical in the Kate Sheppard Cup, with the Royals now moving on to the semi-finals as the South Island representative.
Roslyn-Wakari and Nelson Suburbs also played their catch-up match which wasn’t able to take place in Round 1, but neither could secure their first win with the spoils shared in a 1-1 draw.
Both Christchurch teams are at home this weekend and will be fancied to beat travelling opposition.
Leaders Cashmere Technical take on Nelson Suburbs at Garrick Memorial Park in a morning kickoff, then later English Park will play host to Coastal Spirit’s match against Otago University.
Elsewhere, Roslyn Wakari will attempt to upset Dunedin City Royals, who are having an impressive season winning every game to date and yet to concede a goal.
Game of the week
The match between Coastal Spirit and Otago University primes as the most interesting, with both having issues to contend with this year.
Spirit have struggled to beat some sides they were cruising past last year, and defence has been a weak area for them, demonstrated by a current four-game run without a clean sheet.
While the coaching staff have changed since a rocky start to the year, the wobbles were still there to be seen as they threw away a 2-0 lead against UC Football in the Reta Fitzpatrick Cup and only won on penalties in the end.
By contrast, Otago University have been poor on attack, and didn’t score in any of their three matches in June.
Whoever can best attend to their weaknesses may be the winner.
Player to watch
In a cold, windy game at Tahuna Park, it was creative midfielder Shontelle Smith (27) who shone bright as Dunedin City Royals defeated Cashmere Technical 1-0 in the Kate Sheppard Cup quarter finals.
With the game set to enter extra time, she scored a brilliant Olimpico goal in the 88th minute to send the Royals into raptures and settle the cup tie.
She may again be important as the Royals looked to break down Roslyn-Wakari this weekend to keep their winning run going.
Bold prediction
While a bold prediction leans itself towards predicting upsets, I honestly don’t see any happening this weekend and can see Cashmere, Coastal Spirit and the Royals all winning by comfortable margins.
In fact, I think all three will score at least two goals and keep a clean sheet.
Let’s see if the underdogs can prove me wrong on this one.
Golden Boot
3 — Margi Dias (Cashmere Technical)
2 — Rosie Hayman (Cashmere Technical), Annalie Longo (Cashmere Technical), Anna McPhie (Cashmere Technical)
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday July 13, 2024
Coastal Spirit v Otago University
English Park, Christchurch, 12.30pm
Roslyn Wakari v Dunedin City Royals
Ellis Park, Dunedin, 12.30pm
Cashmere Technical v Nelson Suburbs
Garrick Memorial Park, Christchurch, 12.30pm
Logan Smith
Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League.
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