By Logan Smith
Second-placed Cashmere Technical welcome closest chasers Dunedin City Royals to town for an early crunch clash in the context of National League qualification.
READ MORE: Last weekend’s results and scorers >>>>
The round kicks off on Saturday morning, as leaders Christchurch United face Nelson Suburbs at United Sports Centre, with both teams coming off big wins against Ferrymead Bays and Coastal Spirit, respectively.
At midday, early strugglers Green Island host Selwyn United at Sunnyvale Park, with both teams looking to end concerning losing streaks.
Later on Saturday, Cashmere Technical play Dunedin City Royals at Garrick Memorial Park, while FC Twenty 11 continue their search for a first home win against Ferrymead Bays at Avonhead Park.
One Sunday fixture wraps up the round, with midtable Coastal Spirit meeting a Nomads United team keen to build momentum after their first win.
Game of the week
With two National League spots on the line in the Southern League, Cashmere Technical’s matchup against Dunedin City Royals primes as an important one.
Three points behind Cashmere, the Royals are currently the only side within touching distance of the top two but have a sizeable task to keep it that way on Saturday.
Cashmere Tech have a strong home record in the Southern League and will relish the chance to extend the gap to six points, but the visitors will be hopeful of a result after some shaky recent form from the hosts.
Player to watch
FC Twenty 11’s young keeper Finn Mounty (19) has had plenty of chances to show his capabilities in a struggling team so far and kept the score down impressively in multiple recent games.
Up against a Ferrymead Bays team that are likely to dominate but can be prone to failing to take opportunities, he could be in for a big game.
Bold prediction
After a poor start with five losses on the trot, Nomads United got on the board with a fantastic 6-2 win over Green Island last weekend, really finding their feet in the final third.
And I think they’ll take another three points this Sunday, against a Coastal Spirit team that have been wildly inconsistent so far this season.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday May 6, 2023
Christchurch United v Nelson Suburbs
United Sports Centre, Christchurch, 11.30am
Green Island v Selwyn United
Sunnyvale Park, Green Island, 12pm
Cashmere Technical v Dunedin City Royals
Garrick Memorial Park, Christchurch, 1.30pm
FC Twenty 11 v Ferrymead Bays
Avonhead Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Game to be played on Sunday May 7, 2023
Coastal Spirit v Nomads United
Linfield Park, Bromley, Christchurch, 12pm
Standings
Logan Smith
Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League.
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