PREVIEW: Holders face strong challenge from unbeaten Royals in cup semi-final

By Logan Smith

Unbeaten Dunedin City Royals get the chance to topple holders Western Springs when they meet in Saturday’s semi-final of the Kate Sheppard Cup.

With a valuable home draw and strong recent performances, Dunedin City may be slight favourites but will expect a tough test from a Western Springs outfit that went all the way last year.

The home side have been in splendid form throughout 2024; they remain unbeaten in all competitions and lead the Women’s South Island League by three points with just a few rounds to go.

Of particular note has been their defensive record. Experienced campaigners Hannah Mackay-Wright and Rose Morton are having good seasons, while new additions such as Lauren Paterson in goal and Madi McLean have slotted well into the core of the team.

The Royals have conceded only three goals all season, and none so far in the Kate Sheppard Cup.

The Royals eased past Thistle FC of Invercargill 11-0, beat local opponents Roslyn-Wakari and Otago University, and then felled Christchurch heavyweights Cashmere Technical in the quarter-finals with a late Shontelle Smith winner.

Tahuna Park has also been a stronghold for them, with six wins in six games at the ground since its redevelopment for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 2024 season hasn’t been such smooth sailing for Western Springs so far, with mixed results in the challenging Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier competition.

Springs have been a long way off title contenders Auckland United and West Coast Rangers, but are at least leading the pack of teams battling for two remaining Women’s National League places.

Led by the well-regarded Maia Vink, who won the Women’s Domestic Coach of the Year award last year, players that stand out in Springs squad include age-group international Ella Findley, former A-League midfielder Rebecca Burrows and Japanese duo Rina Hirano and Arisa Takeda.

They’ve been in better form of late too, with three league wins in a row and a decent cup run to date where they’ve eliminated FC Tauranga Moana, Hibiscus Coast and Franklin United.

The trip to Dunedin poses a much tougher test, especially with Tahuna Park prone to strong, frosty winds that suit the familiar Royals, but it’d be foolish to write off the cup holders.

Expect an entertaining clash when they go head-to-head this weekend, with the fixture to be streamed free on FIFA+.

The winner will meet either Auckland United or Wellington Phoenix Reserves in the final.

Latest squads

Officials

Referee: Beth Rattray. Assistants: Allys Clipsham, Grace Teah. Fourth official: Caleb Marsh.

Fixtures

Games to be played on Saturday August 17, 2024

Semi-finals

Wellington Phoenix Res v Auckland United
Fraser Park, Taita, 1pm

PREVIEW: Oceania champs to face youthful Phoenix in Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

PREVIEW: Kate Sheppard Cup provides biggest test for Phoenix youngsters >>>>

Dunedin City Royals v Western Springs
Tahuna Park, Dunedin, 11am

Past rounds

RESULTS: Quarter-finals of 2024 Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

RESULTS: Third round of 2024 Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

RESULTS: Second round of 2024 Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

RESULTS: First round of 2024 Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

Final

Game to be played on Saturday September 7, 2024

READ MORE: North Harbour Stadium confirmed to host double header of cup finals >>>>

All the past winners — Kate Sheppard Cup

Logan Smith

Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League and the Women’s South Island League.

More football stories