By Logan Smith
Fourth-placed Ferrymead Bays take on fifth-placed Selwyn in one of three all-Christchurch showdowns, while both Dunedin sides travel to tough away grounds in this weekend’s round of Southern League fixtures.
Christchurch United again kick off the round with a Friday night clash, this time hosting last-placed Nomads at United Sports Centre.
The game will be live-streamed (see below).
On Saturday, Cashmere Technical look to get back to winning ways, welcoming a Green Island side to town who have two losses on the trot.
Later, Ferrymead host Selwyn at Ferrymead Park in an important mid-table game, while FC Twenty 11 face Coastal Spirit, with both looking to build on a positive away result.
Finally, on Sunday, Nelson Suburbs take on Dunedin City Royals in Nelson.
Strong at home in 2022, Suburbs will be hoping to gain ground on a Royals team that has started very handily.
Game of the week
Ferrymead Bays and Selwyn United have both shown flashes of quality this season and deserve to be in the top half, but suffered frustratingly close Round 4 defeats to Dunedin City Royals and Christchurch United, respectively.
They’ve had their fair share of well-contested and entertaining games too, with their four clashes in the last two years producing two wins either way and 13 goals in all.
With both sides’ ambitions this season currently unclear, this game may be a good indicator of where they will stand in 2023.
Bold prediction
Christchurch United would have been quite relieved after scoring two late goals to see off Selwyn 2-0 to keep their perfect record and top position.
They’ll want no repeat of those nerves this weekend, and against a last-placed Nomads team that are really leaking goals at the moment, I think they’ll put on an absolute clinic.
Christchurch United to win by five or more goals.
Player to watch
New Coastal Spirit signing Mohamed Azim Taqizada netted his first goal for the club in Round 4, a brilliant free kick that put them ahead against Cashmere Tech and was nominated for the National League Goal of the Week.
Against an FC Twenty 11 side placed lowly on the table, he’ll hope to back that up with another strong performance in midfield.
Fixtures
Game to be played on Friday April 21, 2023
Christchurch United v Nomads United
United Sports Centre, Christchurch 7pm
READ MORE: Read Christchurch United’s match programme for Nomads United fixture >>>>
Games to be played on Saturday April 22, 2023
Cashmere Technical v Green Island
Garrick Memorial Park, Christchurch, 1.30pm
Ferrymeads Bays v Selwyn United
Ferrymead Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
FC Twenty 11 v Coastal Spirit
Avonhead Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Game to be played on Sunday April 23, 2023
Nelson Suburbs v Dunedin City Royals
Saxton Fields, Nelson, 1.50pm
READ MORE: Read Nelson Suburbs’ match programme for Dunedin City Royals fixture >>>>
Standings
Logan Smith
Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League.
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