Paul Ifill ‘happy with progress’ as Christchurch United’s season winds up with derby

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Christchurch United head coach Paul Ifill says he’s happy with his side’s progress in their first national league season in 30 years, despite the risk they’ll finish bottom of this year’s competition.

“After what was a very successful Southern League campaign that saw us crowned champions on a crazy final day, the National League has proved to be a very different animal,” Ifill told United’s website.

United host local rivals Cashmere Technical under Friday night lights at the United Sports Centre, and the result could decide whether Ifill’s side takes the 2022 wooden spoon, if they lose and Miramar Rangers picks up a draw or better against Wellington Olympic on Sunday.

“With the National League only being nine games, it has been difficult to navigate for a number of reasons,” Ifill said.

“The players have really given everything every week and although our results have not always been what we’d hope for, I am still happy with the signs of progress that have been made.”

Main photo: Paul Ifill … happy with United’s progress.

Honours even so far this year — Friday’s derby is the decider

Friday’s match will decide bragging rights between the two Canterbury clubs as the two Southern League fixtures between them resulted in a win to each of them.

The final match of the season has an extra attraction for local fans, and for those who want to watch live streams.

While the National League game kicks off at 7pm, the Sports Centre will also host the final of the Canterbury U-19s Development League between Christchurch United and Nomads FC.

That game kicks off at 5.45pm. Both games will be live-streamed.