PREVIEW: Goal difference could be vital in Southern League contest

By Logan Smith and Harrison Ryburn

After Christchurch United’s critical win over Coastal Spirit, the race for Men’s National League places has really caught alight in the Southern League.

Now, United and the Spirit sit level on points and level on goal difference, with United second on goals scored.

With goal difference potentially the deciding factor, United host struggling Selwyn United, and will want to put goals on the board while the Spirit still have to play lowly UC Football and FC Twenty 11.

First up this weekend is a bottom-half clash, though, with UC Football and Dunedin City Royals playing at English Park.

Originally scheduled for two weeks ago, the game was postponed due to flight problems but now makes up for the Royals being unable to host Coastal Spirit, who are busy with Chatham Cup action.

An interesting clash between Ferrymead Bays and Nelson Suburbs is set to play out at Ferrymead Park.

Suburbs have been fourth for most of the season, and often struggle on the road, while Bays seem to be coming home with a wet sail after a slow start to the season.

Nomads United have the unenviable task of keeping an in-form Cashmere Technical at bay in one of Saturday’s later kick-offs.

Cashmere Technical know wins against Nomads and Bays could secure the league title and National League qualification before they meet Christchurch United in the final round, but Nomads have sprung a few surprise wins at Tulett Park this year.

*Christchurch United (white kit) overcame Coastal Spirit in the last round and will be chasing the goals this weekend. Photo credit: Jim Watts Photography / @jimwattsphoto*

At United Sports Centre, Christchurch United welcome Selwyn United.

While it seems near certain they’ll win, the important question is really by how many.

The match between Nomads and Cashmere will be broadcast on FIFA+, while Christchurch United will stream their match on their YouTube channel.

Game of the week

Though games involving the top two may have the bigger bearing on things, the top-half clash between Ferrymead Bays and Nelson Suburbs looks like providing the round’s closest contest.

Bays should be favourites considering form and home advantage, but Suburbs are known for their unpredictability, entertainment value and ability to score goals.

Suburbs’ Southern League matches in 2024 average an astounding 5.6 goals per game, with 84 goals flying into the net in their 15 matches.

Additionally, the sides will arrive on gameday level on points with Suburbs ahead on goal difference, so if either team can win it, they’ll have a strong case to secure a respectable fourth-place finish this year.

Players to watch

Nomads may be in the bottom half, but they’ve proven a difficult task for better teams at Tulett Park, having beaten Nelson and Ferrymead in the league at the ground and, most notably, knocking Christchurch United out of the Chatham Cup there.

As well as being a team that scores fairly regularly, they’ve got the best defensive record outside the top three teams.

However, a determined and free-scoring Cashmere Technical will surely put that defence to the test.

I expect Nomads gloveman Regan Frame to be a busy man, yet if he can perform and the Nomads attack fires, they might be able to give Cashmere a scare.

— Logan Smith

*Nomads United goalkeeper Regan Frame. Photo credit: Jim Watts Photography / @jimwattsphoto*

Formerly of Dunedin City Royals, defender Henry Aitken is riding high after scoring his first Southern League goal for Nelson Suburbs against Nomads last weekend.

A man of many talents, Aitken is also a physio for Suburbs and previously competed at international level in squash.

Suburbs’ defence has been leaky of late, but Aitken and his teammates will be determined to shore things up when they travel to Ferrymead Bays on Saturday.

— Harrison Ryburn

Bold predictions

Coping with a few travel hiccups, the Dunedin City Royals were shaky away to last-placed FC Twenty 11 last weekend, winning by only 2-1 and looking threatened at times by the league’s worst team.

They’ll be pleased to get away with their first away victory of the league season, but now need to improve if they’re to get their second against UC Football this Saturday.

The students have had a number of close games against midtable opposition this season, and I think they’ll nudge their way into eighth position with a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

— Logan Smith

Last week’s crucial victory over Coastal Spirit will have given Christchurch United plenty of confidence and I’m backing them to put Selwyn to the sword on Saturday.

Selwyn have shipped an average of just under five goals a game in their last six fixtures, and I’m predicting United to surpass that with a 6-0 winning margin.

— Harrison Ryburn

Golden Boot

18 — Garbhan Coughlan (Cashmere Technical)
16 — Alejandro Steinwascher (Coastal Spirit)
15— Joel Stevens (Christchurch United)
12 — Lennon Whewell (Nelson Suburbs)
11 — Trevin Myers (Nelson Suburbs)
10 — Jack Hallahan (Cashmere Technical)
9 — Lyle Matthysen (Cashmere Technical), Gabriel Gallaway (Cashmere Technical), Yuya Taguchi (Cashmere Technical)
8 — Satsuki Ito (Ferrymead Bays), Flynn Holdem (Nomads United), David Yoo (Christchurch United), Cameron Rean (Ferrymead Bays)
7 — Spencer Barber (Nelson Suburbs), Liam Cotter (Coastal Spirit)
6 — Angus McIntyre (Nomads United), Lachie McIsaac (Cashmere Technical), Will Turner (Dunedin City Royals)