Now the World Cup qualifiers are over we can focus on local football — and there’s plenty to choose from.
The Northern League goes into round 2, while there are nine men’s and women’s games in the Lotto NRFL.
And don’t forget the Wellington Phoenix are chasing a play-off spot and need a win on Saturday night at Central Coast Mariners.
Here’s our round-up of what to watch, what to do, and when, over the weekend of Friday April 1 — Sunday April 3.
Friday
Friends of Football Women’s All Stars v Mt Albert Grammar School
Auckland United’s Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill
Kick off: 6pm
Come and watch history being made!
This is the first-ever game by the newly-launched Friends of Football’s All Stars, a squad of former Ferns and age group internationals who want to play exhibition games against up-and-coming players from high schools.
The All Stars (who have almost 500 international caps between them) will be relying on skill and experience to match the energy of youth. It’ll be great fun!
Click here for more about the Friends of Football All Stars >>>>
Saturday
Northern League / Lotto NRFL
Our tipster Jonno Ross has looked through the Saturday fixtures, trying to pick the games of the weekend for the neutral who wants entertainment.
Click here for our Northern League preview >>>>
Click here for our Lotto NRFL division one preview >>>>
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City
Men’s A-League
PointsBet Stadium, NSW
Kick-off: 6.35pm (NZT)
Watch: Sky Sports 7
The Phoenix beat Brisbane Roar in midweek to charge into fourth place on the A-League table, with games in hand on third-placed Adelaide United and a couple of the teams just below them.
Returning All Whites Ben Old, Ben Waine and goalkeeper Oli Sail all stood out against the Roar.
Three more points against Melbourne on Saturday would be just the ticket to keep up the momentum to reach the play-offs.
Sunday
Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League
We’ve got four games in the WPL, with Kate Sheppard Cup runners-up Hamilton Wanderers and Northern Rovers making their first league appearances of the season.
Click here for our Women’s Premier League preview >>>>
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