The opening round of the Women’s National League has produced early evidence that Auckland clubs might not have it all their own way this year.
Defending champions Auckland United drew 1-1 with CF Waterside Karori in the opening round, having failed to break down the Wellington side’s defence until the second half when the always dangerous Renee Wasi finally found the net.
The champion’s relief was to be only short-lived, as one of Karori’s United States imports, Kendall Pollock, quickly equalised and the game ended a point apiece.
Auckland club Western Springs, runners-up in the league two years ago, lost 3-2 at home to another side from the Capital, CF Wellington United.
Springs thought they had salvaged a draw from the match till United’s Natalie Olson grabbed a late winner.
Eastern Suburbs, the 2022 champions, became the third of the Auckland clubs to drop points in Round 1, sharing a scoreless draw with last season’s beaten grand finalists Southern United.
The only Auckland side to secure three points were West Coast Rangers, 5-0 winners against Central Football, a young side whose players are drawn from Taranaki to Hawkes Bay and all points between.
It will likely take Central a few games to gel.
The opening round also suggests former champions Canterbury United Pride will be a force again.
Last year, they stumbled in the early rounds and never recovered.
This season, they overcame a talented Wellington Phoenix Reserves 4-1 in their opener.
Round 2 will provide more clues about which sides are likely to be challengers for the crown.
Derby matches will get the weekend underway with Friday night games in Auckland and Wellington.
West Coast Rangers get the chance to keep their early lead on the table when they host Western Springs at Fred Taylor Park.
The Phoenix Reserves meet CF Waterside Karori at Fraser Park.
On Saturday, first-round victors Wellington United and Canterbury United go head to head at Newtown Park, in what could produce the game of the round.
Players to watch
Coming on at half time with Canterbury locked in a close game with Wellington Phoenix reserves, Anna McPhie’s creativity in midfield helped the Pride ease to a comfortable win, and she deservedly got one of her own with a well-struck free kick to make it 4-1.
As Canterbury head north for a tough clash with Wellington United, who also impressed and won in the opening round, the contribution of McPhie could be critical again.
— Logan Smith
Eight-cap Football Fern Aimee Phillips made her debut for Western Springs in Round 1, after moving north from Canterbury where she played for Cashmere Technical in the Women’s South Island League.
Though she had not played for eight weeks, Phillips (33) managed 81 minutes before getting a rest in Springs’ 3-2 loss to Wellington United.
When she hits her stride, she’ll be a useful asset for Springs who play local rivals West Coast Rangers on Friday night.
— Jack Sharp
Bold predictions
The young Phoenix side have the skills, daily training and fitness, thanks to their access to NZCIS’ facilities, which can make them the equal of any.
They face CF Waterside Karori under the lights on Friday.
Waterside Karori proved to be a match for title favourites Auckland United last week, earning a 1-1 draw not by any counts fortuitous.
I think there are bound to be goals in this one, and perhaps the experience and physicality of Karori may just edge things there. I’m picking a 3-2 win to Waterside Karori.
— Warren Olson
CF Wellington United and Canterbury United go into their Saturday match chasing back-to-back wins.
Perhaps it will be United’s marauding midfielder Hope Gilchrist who again heads home a vital goal for the home side.
My prediction: Wellington United to win 1-0 against Canterbury Pride.
— Warren Olson
Highlights from Round 1
Fixtures
Games to be played on Friday October 4, 2024
Wellington Phoenix Reserves v CF Waterside Karori
Fraser Park, Taita, 7pm
West Coast Rangers v Western Springs
Fred Taylor Park, Whenuapai, 7.30pm
Games to be played on Saturday October 5, 2024
Southern United v Central Football
Logan Park, Dunedin, 12pm
*Postponed due to extreme weather conditions in Dunedin
CF Wellington United v Canterbury United Pride
Newtown Park, Newtown, 2pm
Auckland United v Eastern Suburbs
Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill, 5pm
Warren Olson is a Wellington-based enthusiast for and long-time follower of women’s football.
Logan Smith
Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League.
Jack Sharp
Jack Sharp is a long-time follower of club football in New Zealand and is a volunteer writer for Friends of Football.
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