There’s nothing like sudden death football to get the pulse racing and this weekend serves up plenty, especially in the women’s game.
Here’s our round-up of what to watch, and when, over the weekend of Friday March 5 – Sunday March 7:
Friday
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
Women’s A-League
Kick-off: 7.05pm (NZT)
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Watch: Sky Sport 7
The Phoenix go into the last game of their debut women’s A-League season, facing fifth-placed Perth Glory.
The Phoenix need to win — and improve their goal differential by three goals — to avoid the competition’s wooden spoon.
Gemma Lewis’ side gave themselves a fighting chance of dodging bottom spot when they beat Western Sydney Wanderers 3-2 in midweek, and if they beat Glory, they’ll then have to await the result of Wanderers’ game against second-placed Melbourne City on Saturday.
Saturday
Wellington United v Eastern Suburbs
Semi-final, Kate Sheppard Cup
Kick-off: 2.45pm
Newtown Park, Wellington
Watch: Sky Sport Next (free to view)
This semi-final will finally get underway on Saturday after the competition was carried over from a COVID-disrupted 2021, and then the first attempt at staging the game in February came unstuck when Suburbs were unable to play due to a case of the virus within their squad.
All of that will be forgotten in 90 minutes, or more if the game is tied in normal time, when the sides decide who will face Hamilton Wanderers in the final of the NZ Football Foundation-sponsored competition on Sunday March 13.
The timing and venue of the final will be decided when this Saturday’s semi-final is resolved.
Saturday’s semi-final will be broadcast on the Sky Sport Next – YouTube channel which is free to watch.
Tune in by clicking on the following panel on Saturday:
Sunday
Miramar Rangers v Cashmere Technical
Final, Chatham Cup
Kick-off: 2pm
Jerry Collins Stadium, Porirua
Watch: Sky Sport Next (free to view)
Two clubs with proud Chatham Cup histories go head-to-head in Wellington.
Miramar Rangers (winners in 1966, 1992, 2004 and 2010) won last year’s Central/Southern League title while Cashmere Technical go into the game as reigning Southern League champions.
Technical will be playing in their 10th final – the first six played as Technical Old Boys and a seventh as Christchurch Technical.
They will be chasing their fourth cup victory, having won previously in 1948, 2013 and 2014.
Main photo: Technical celebrate winning the Southern League.
Going into the weekend, Rangers start as favourites (the TAB was offering $1.91 on a Rangers win; $3.40 for a Technical win and $3.60 for a draw after 90 mins).
🟠 CLICK HERE TO READ OUR GUIDE TO THE CHATHAM CUP FINAL >>>>
The match will be broadcast on the Sky Sport Next – YouTube channel which is free to watch.
Tune in by clicking on the following panel on Sunday:
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City
Men’s A-League
Kick-off: 6.05pm (NZT)
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Watch: Sky Sport 7
The Phoenix are on a good run of form and have worked their way into contention for a top six play-off spot.
But this weekend they face second-placed Melbourne City, who have won four of their last five games.
The battle for sixth place is congested with Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and the Phoenix all locked on 18 points, though Victory have the advantage of games in hand.
Girls and women’s events
March is our national Girls & Women’s Month in which clubs, regional federations and our national body work together to stage dozens of free activities through the country.
To check out what’s available, go to our story here >>>>
You’ll find links there to regional websites that have details of what’s on in your area.
… and don’t forget these
All White Chris Wood will go after his first goal for Newcastle United when they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League. The game is live on Spark Sport (4am Sunday NZT).
Former Birkenhead United striker Alex Greive will lead the attack for St Mirren at Ross County in the Scottish Premier League. The game is not broadcast but kicks off at 4am (NZT) on Sunday.
All White Liberato Cacace turns out for Italian Serie A side Empoli at Genoa, kicking off at 12.30am on Monday (NZT).
More football stories
