PREVIEW: Unbeaten records go on the line in the race for Southern League title

posted in: News, Southern League |

By Logan Smith and Harrison Ryburn

Southern League frontrunners Cashmere Technical and Coastal Spirit are set to clash this weekend at Garrick Memorial Park, as the unbeaten records of both clubs go on the line.

Elsewhere, Christchurch United and Nelson Suburbs have the opportunity to gain much-needed ground with fixtures they should win.

Three matches are will be streamed live and free on FIFA+, including the table-topping showdown between Technical and Spirit.

On Saturday, Ferrymead Bays and Dunedin City Royals kick off the round at Ferrymead Park.

Entertainment could be on the cards in this one, with similar league campaigns to date and a 4-4 draw in the reverse fixture.

Later, Nomads United need three points against FC Twenty 11 to help take them into the top half, while Cashmere Technical will welcome Coastal Spirit to Garrick Memorial Park.

On Sunday, Selwyn United make the trip north to play Nelson Suburbs, and UC Football take on Christchurch United at English Park.

*Coastal Spirit and Cashmere Technical drew 4-4 in round 3. Photo credit: Jim Watts Photography / @jimwattsphoto*

Game of the week

There’s no argument about this rounds’ game of the week; it has to be the showdown between Cashmere Technical and Coastal Spirit.

Both boast unbeaten records in the league, but Cashmere are four points clear at the top due to having fewer draws.

However, they are yet to beat the Spirit this season, playing out a 4-4 thriller in the Southern League and losing 3-1 in the Chatham Cup.

The visitors probably need a win to open up the Southern League title race, but will also be nervously peering below.

Christchurch United are expected to beat UC Football on Sunday, and might even be able to overtake the Spirit with a big win.

Players to watch

Three Southern League players were represented in the Samoan team that played in the recent OFC Nations Cup, where they found it tough going against experienced Oceania opposition.

The most high-profile of these was Nelson Suburbs attacker Dauntae Mariner (24), who started all three games but couldn’t get on the scoresheet, though he hit the crossbar against Tahiti.

Since returning from international duty, he’s quickly readjusted, equalising with a looping shot against Spirit to earn Suburbs a share of the points.

He’ll be one for both the Selwyn defence and viewers to keep an eye on this Sunday.

— Logan Smith

George Siddells (19) has been one of the best for FC Twenty 11, leading the club’s scoring charts in the Southern League with two goals.

Both goals have come in the last two games, against Nelson Suburbs and Cashmere Technical, and he’ll want to continue his run in an easier game against Nomads United on Saturday.

Educated at St. Kentigern College in Auckland and formerly a key player for the first XI, Siddells has the chance to catch the eye of other Southern League clubs for next season, with FC Twenty 11 currently headed for relegation.

— Harrison Ryburn

Bold predictions

Looking at form, UC Football may present a tougher task for Christchurch United than might be expected.

June was nothing short of a disaster for the Rams, with league losses to Cashmere and Ferrymead and a Chatham Cup upset at the hands of Nomads.

Inconsistency has been a problem for UC this season, but they come off the back of a comfortable win against Selwyn and narrowly lost their previous matches to United this year by 4-3 and 1-0 scorelines.

It’s called a bold prediction for a reason; I’m tipping a 3-3 draw.

— Logan Smith

Saturday’s clash between Cashmere Technical and Coastal Spirit has the potential to be decisive in the race for the Southern League title.

Technical’s sole defeat this season came against the Spirit in the Chatham Cup, and I’m predicting the Spirit will repeat the feat and close the gap at the top to one point with a drama-filled 3-2 victory.

— Harrison Ryburn

*Cashmere Technical will defend their unbeaten record against Coastal Spirit. Photo credit: Jim Watts Photography / @jimwattsphoto*

Golden Boot

18 — Garbhan Coughlan (Cashmere Technical)
12 — Alejandro Steinwascher (Coastal Spirit)
11 — Joel Stevens (Christchurch United)
9 — Lyle Matthysen (Cashmere Technical)
8 — Lennon Whewell (Nelson Suburbs), Jack Hallahan (Cashmere Technical)
7 — Satsuki Ito (Ferrymead Bays), Spencer Barber (Nelson Suburbs), David Yoo (Christchurch United), Trevin Myers (Nelson Suburbs), Flynn Holdem (Nomads United)
6 — Will Turner (Dunedin City Royals)