By Joan Grey
Onehunga continue to set the pace in the Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship. Hot on their heels are Fencibles United, who hold a game in hand.
Franklin United have dropped away from the two frontrunners after a second loss, this time losing to Tauranga City, who once again delivered on their home advantage.
Game of the week
Te Atatu are gearing up to meet Central United on Sunday.
The two teams sit at the bottom of the table and will be eager to improve their standings.
Previous results between the sides have been in Central’s favour. Central triumphed 3-0 in their single encounter last season and repeated their success in April this year with a 3-1 victory against Te Atatu.
The April victory was one of Central’s two league wins this season.
A win for Te Atatu or Central United could lift them into sixth position on the table, pending the outcome of Manukau United’s match.
Players to watch
Sisters Neeve and Tara Murphy are a dynamic duo in the Central United team.
Versatile 16-year-old Neeve distributes the ball skillfully in the backline and the midfield. She also plays for the Botany Downs College First XI, which currently lead the Auckland Senior A division.
Her sister midfielder Tara (20) possesses a knack for decisive tackles and precise passing that can dismantle the opposition’s defence.
Bold prediction
Table leaders Onehunga Sports host Tauranga City at Waikaraka Park. Onehunga has demonstrated outstanding form recently, with six consecutive wins.
In their last three games, they have scored 11 goals.
Interestingly, Onehunga’s most recent league loss was in the reverse fixture against Tauranga City. That was in April on Tauranga’s home turf.
This time Onehunga will play at Waikaraka Park.
I think they’ll take advantage of their home ground and recent form to secure a 2-0 victory.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday July 9, 2023
Onehunga Sports v Tauranga City
Waikaraka Park, Onehunga, 1pm
Manukau United v Otumoetai
Walter Massey Park, Manukau, 1pm
Te Atatu v Central United
Te Atatu Peninsula Park, Te Atatu, 1pm
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football. She plays football for Franklin United.
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