By Jack Sharp
This weekend’s draw is set up for leaders Eastern Suburbs and Western Springs to stretch their lead from the chasing pack in the Women’s National League.
Both are favourites to win their games in this weekend’s round five and if they do that, they’ll both have maximum points in the competition.
That would increase their lead against at least two of their three nearest rivals, as third-placed Northern Rovers meet fourth-placed Canterbury United Pride.
Main photo: Eastern Suburbs … scoring an average of five goals a game. Photo: Joan Grey.
With a third of the programme completed by this weekend, Suburbs and Springs have been the outstanding teams so far.
Suburbs, who have scored an average of five goals a game so far, are at home to sixth-placed Southern United.
While United have won their past two games, they were against the competition’s two bottom sides.
A better guide might be the 6-1 loss Southern recorded in their opening game against Western Springs.
Springs look a shoe-in against bottom side Central who are yet to score a goal this season, and face a Springs side with the tightest defence in the competition.
The question of the weekend is whether Northern Rovers or Canterbury United Pride can keep the leaders in their sights.
A draw would suit neither team; a loss would see the loser drop nine points off the leaders.
- Eastern Suburbs and Western Springs don’t meet until October 28.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday October 15, 2022
Canterbury United Pride (4th) v Northern Rovers (3rd)
English Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Capital Football (7th) v Auckland United (6th)
Petone Memorial Park, Petone, 3pm
Games to be played on Sunday October 16, 2022
Eastern Suburbs (1st) v Southern United (5th)
Madills Farm, Auckland, 1pm
Central Football (8th) v Western Springs (2nd)
Massey University, Palmerston North, 2.15pm
Standings
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