PREVIEW: Crosstown clashes spark interest in Women’s South Island League

By Logan Smith

With title contenders emerging, a pair of crosstown matches look set to offer the most intrigue in Round 4 of the Women’s South Island League.

Otago University host Roslyn-Wakari in the only Saturday game, with three points critical for both teams.

Both have had a tough start to the league this year, but have the opportunity to put points on the board against more beatable opposition than the likes of Cashmere Technical and Dunedin City Royals.

On Sunday, Coastal Spirit and Cashmere Technical feature with a morning kick-off.

The two have been the dominant teams of women’s football in Christchurch over the past decade, so their clashes are always worth looking for.

Finally, in early afternoon, Dunedin City Royals should account for Nelson Suburbs and keep their impressive winning run going.

*Action from round 3 as two Otago University defenders try to close down a Coastal Spirit attack. Photo credit: Jim Watts Photography / @jimwattsphoto*

Game of the week

Though Cashmere have firmly tilted the power balance of Christchurch women’s football in their favour over the last 12 months, be sure Coastal Spirits’ players will look for some revenge in this game.

Traditionally, the matches between the sides are close, but the games so far this season have read 3-0 and 6-0 in Technicals’ favour.

Now with former Football Ferns Kelly Almond and Mel Anngow at the helm of the coaching team, the Spirit have made a lukewarm start to the Women’s South Island League with two wins and one loss, and it’s looking like they’ve turned a corner.

Can they take down a brilliant Cashmere team this Sunday? Probably not, but it’ll be interesting viewing regardless.

Player to watch

Roslyn-Wakari goalkeeper Emma Andrew had a strong game against Dunedin City Royals, looking confident in her penalty area and making some good saves before the Royals finally breached her goal in the 67th minute and went on to get two more.

Not only was she facing her former club, the Royals, in that game, but she’ll be facing another this Saturday, having played for University from 2019 to 2021.

In what is likely to be a close game, her performance in goal could be key for the visitors.

*Coastal Spirit goalkeeper Amelia Simmers. Photo credit: Jim Watts Photography / @jimwattsphoto*

Bold prediction

The game between Otago University and Roslyn-Wakari looks tough to pick, and is likely to have a bit of caution and nerves to it with both knowing it’s a real chance of getting a first win on the board.

Their recent head-to-head record would point in favour of University, but I’m worried by their goalscoring record this season, with it now being four matches in a row without finding the net.

So, I’m backing the slight underdogs here; Roslyn-Wakari to secure a 2-1 win.

Golden Boot

4 — Margi Dias (Cashmere Technical), Emma Kench (Cashmere Technical)
3 — Mel Cameron (Coastal Spirit), Anna McPhie (Cashmere Technical)
2 — Rosie Hayman (Cashmere Technical), Annalie Longo (Cashmere Technical), Lainey Altieri-Need (Cashmere Technical), Hannah Mackay-Wright (Dunedin City Royals)