Sudden death football comes to the fore this weekend with men’s and women’s cup competitions and the Wellington Phoenix play-off match in Melbourne.
There are bound to be upsets in the first rounds of the Chatham Cup and the Kate Sheppard Cup, with fixtures played over Saturday and Sunday.
If you fancy a cup game, be careful of the kick-off times — almost all of them start at 2pm to accommodate extra time and penalties, if necessary.
Here’s our round-up of what to watch, what to do, and when, over the weekend of May 14-15.
Saturday
Northern League
A full schedule of Northern League games goes ahead, with all games starting at 3pm.
Our tipster Jonno Ross has looked through the schedule, trying to pick the games of the weekend for the neutral who wants entertainment.
Last weekend, he tipped Takapuna to upset Birkenhead United, and he got it right.
Click here for our Northern League preview >>>>
The Takapuna v Manukau United game will be live streamed by NZ Football. Click on the image below for more details:
There are no games in the Lotto NRFL men’s first and second divisions as all clubs have Chatham Cup fixtures.
Chatham Cup
We’re tipping some upsets in the first round of New Zealand’s oldest club competition.
There are some juicy ties, with Sperm Whales carrying the hopes of all Sunday league players, and one team that’s playing an opponent ranked seven divisions higher!
Click here for our Chatham Cup preview >>>>
Kate Sheppard Cup
First-round byes mean quite a few top-rated clubs will sit out the first round of the NZ Football Foundation-sponsored competition.
However, four Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League sides have to navigate their way through tricky first-round ties.
Click here for our Kate Sheppard Cup preview >>>>
A-League
The Wellington Phoenix play Western United in the Elimination Final of the A-League play-offs.
Win and the Phoenix go through to a semi-final against Melbourne City.
Lose and the season is over for the Nix.
The game at AAMI Park, Melbourne, starts at 9.45pm (NZT) and is live on Sky Sport.
Click here for our preview >>>>
Sunday
Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League
There’s only one WPL game this weekend, and it’s between Eastern Suburbs and Western Springs.
It could have a significant influence on the race for the WPL title.
Click here for our Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League preview >>>>
Chatham Cup
More games from the first round.
Click here for our Chatham Cup preview >>>>
Kate Sheppard Cup
More games from the first round.
Click here for our Kate Sheppard Cup preview >>>>
Have a great weekend!