Southern League splits into two camps after first round of fixtures

posted in: News, Southern League |

By Logan Smith

The Southern League moves into the second round of games with a clear split of five winners and five losers in Round 1.

With all games decided by at least three goals, it makes for five intriguing matchups, as half the teams look to build real momentum, and the other half need to bounce back from disappointment.

The first game of the weekend sees Green Island host FC Twenty 11 at Sunnyvale Sports Centre, with a midday kick-off, as both sides seek their first victories of the 2023 campaign.

Later on Saturday, Selwyn United welcome Dunedin City Royals to Foster Park, while Ferrymead Bays make the crosstown journey to take on Nomads United at Tulett Park.

Sunday takes 2022’s National League Championship participants Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical away from home, against Coastal Spirit and Nelson Suburbs, respectively.

Both will have ambitions to continue their 2022 dominance into the new year. Making it six points from two games would certainly help that cause.

Game of the week

It’s hard to go past Selwyn’s clash against Dunedin City Royals as the most enticing game of the week.

The Stallions started with a 4-1 triumph against an undermanned Nelson Suburbs, while the Royals handsomely defeated Nomads 3-0.

Selwyn fought relegation in 2022 and will be earnest to put early points on the board to stay away from that battle.

The Royals take on Christchurch United next round, and getting another win first would help ease any pressure.

Having played out entertaining clashes before, this fixture lines up well.

Bold prediction

Green Island were perhaps the most credible losing team in Round 1, going down 3-0 away to Christchurch United, a fixture they previously lost 9-1.

STREAM: Watch match replay here >>>>

They’ve also strengthened their squad and had a decent home record last year. I’m picking they’ll pick up a comfortable win over an FC Twenty 11 team that struggled in the opening round.

Player to watch

Cashmere Technical poacher Garbhan Coughlan finished top of the goalscorer standings in 2022, netting 24 goals in the league. He also shared the Golden Boot in the National League Championship.

He’s kicked off the new season with four goals in a big win against FC Twenty 11 and could be in line for more in Nelson this weekend, with Suburbs struggling in Round 1 and Cashmere on a high.