By Jack Sharp and Harrison Ryburn
Napier City Rovers have been given a boost ahead of their men’s National League campaign with the return of leading goalscorer Oscar Faulds.
Faulds (22) has returned to New Zealand after a month chasing a pro contract with clubs in Denmark and his native Sweden.
The scorer of 21 goals in 14 Central League appearances for Rovers, Faulds will be available to play for the Hawkes Bay club in their season opener against Western Springs on Sunday.
Faulds has travelled more than 43,000kms in international travel this year, with his move to New Zealand and efforts to land deals in Scandinavia which were thwarted after he fell ill to COVID.
Of his return to Bluewater Stadium, Faulds told NZ Herald writer Neil Reid: “I’m happy being back with the team, coming back to the National League and hopefully taking the team to a good place in the league.
“They’re a great bunch of lads. I like the guys … I’ve missed them and can’t speak highly enough of them.
“They’re up there for the best team I’ve been in, in terms of team spirit. It just feels like a family.”
Main photo: Napier City Rovers are jubilant after qualifying for the National League. Photo credit: Napier City Rovers.
Players to watch in round 1
Eyebrows were raised when striker Myer Bevan (27) made his return for Auckland City during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup last week, following five months away from football after failing to report for pre-season training with Cavalry FC in Canada.
The six-cap All Whites international has signed with the Navy Blues for the National League season, having scored upon his return in Abu Dhabi. Now in his fourth stint with the club, Bevan will be keen to add to his 15 National League goals when Auckland City face Birkenhead United at Kiwitea Street on Sunday afternoon.
— Harrison Ryburn
READ MORE: All Whites striker Myer Bevan in Auckland City’s Intercontinental Cup squad >>>>
Cashmere Technical go into round 1 with Matt Tod-Smith eager to add to his glowing football CV.
Last season, he was part of Christchurch United’s treble-winning side, and since his move to Technical for this season, he’s added another Southern League winner’s medal.
His experience, drive and all-round ability will boost Technical’s chances this season, and they need a strong start in their season opener at Western Suburbs on Sunday.
Tod-Smith could be the key that unlocks the game for the Cantabrians.
— Jack Sharp
READ MORE: Technical’s Matt Tod-Smith hungry for success in National League campaign >>>>
Bold predictions
Not much went right for Coastal Spirit when they faced Wellington Olympic in the Chatham Cup semi-final, losing goalkeeper Ellis Hare-Reid and teammate Satsumi Hirano to a sickening head clash in the first half, forcing winger Ryan Stanley into the unfamiliar position of putting on the gloves.
They ultimately succumbed to a 1-5 defeat, but have since put together four victories on the trot, including claiming their maiden English Cup title.
Central League champions Olympic have kept themselves busy, winning the Chatham Cup, and testing themselves against the Wellington Phoenix last weekend, but I’m predicting Spirit to bounce back, and take points off the defending champions with a 2-2 draw in Christchurch on Saturday.
— Harrison Ryburn
Surely, the best possible time to catch Auckland City off-guard would be this weekend.
Back from a round-trip to Abu Dhabi where they played Asian champions Al Ain in testing conditions, the Northern League champions will be suffering from jet lag and post-game fatigue.
Birkenhead United took the foot off the pedal in the final stages of the Northern League but have had time to regroup and will be fired up for their Sunday trip to Kiwitea St.
I’m picking Birkenhead will aim to keep the City players moving, to tire them out rather than enjoy the possession-based game for which they’re known.
City will be vulnerable late, and I expect Birkenhead to finish strong for a draw or better.
— Jack Sharp
SEASON PREVIEW: The 10 clubs vying for the Men’s National League title >>>>
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday September 28, 2024
Wellington Phoenix Reserves v Eastern Suburbs
Fraser Park, Taita, 12.30pm
Coastal Spirit v Wellington Olympic
Ferrymead Park, Ferrymead, 2.45pm
Games to be played on Sunday September 29, 2024
Western Suburbs v Cashmere Technical
Endeavour Park, Whitby, 12.30pm
Auckland City v Birkenhead United
Kiwitea St, Sandringham, 2pm
Napier City Rovers v Western Springs
Bluewater Stadium, Napier, 2pm
Jack Sharp
Jack Sharp is a long-time follower of club football in New Zealand and is a volunteer writer for Friends of Football. You can show your appreciation for his work by buying him a coffee.
Harrison Ryburn
Harrison Ryburn is a Canterbury-based football writer.
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