By Logan Smith
All five matches from Round 13 of the Southern League will take place within a frantic few hours on Friday afternoon, with sides sure to track fixtures elsewhere.
The action kicks off at 1.30pm at Ferrymead Park, with home side Ferrymead Bays hoping to leapfrog the visiting Dunedin City Royals with a win that would likely take them into third.
At 2.30pm, Nelson Suburbs welcome Green Island to Saxton Fields after what will have been a long trip north for the Dunedin-based outfit.
Then at 2.45pm, all three cross-Christchurch games kick off.
Cashmere Technical host Coastal Spirit at Garrick Memorial Park, while FC Twenty 11 entertain fellow relegation battlers Nomads United at Avondale Park, and leaders Christchurch United will be comfortable favourites at home against Selwyn United at United Sports Centre.
Game of the week
Earlier in the season, Coastal Spirit were the first team to take points off Cashmere Technical, holding them to a 1-1 draw, and also had an entertaining 4-2 loss to the same opponent in the Chatham Cup, so they have shown they can compete with the best.
With recent victories against Green Island, Nelson Suburbs and FC Twenty 11, Cashmere have extended their lead over third-placed Dunedin City Royals who have been dropping points in the National League qualification race.
A win here against Coastal Spirit could really set them on the path to securing that National League spot.
Player to watch
Ferrymead Bays’ experienced ‘keeper Coey Turipa (31) had a good outing in his side’s recent English Cup game, fighting valiantly and losing 1-0 to Christchurch United.
The Dunedin City Royals are also likely to test him and a close end-to-end game is expected. His performance could be the difference maker for Bays.
Bold prediction
Recent weeks have been frustrating for Nelson Suburbs, crumbling from commanding leading positions against Cashmere Technical and Dunedin City Royals.
They’re very capable of scoring goals, with the second-highest tally in the league, and are among the toughest teams at home.
Against a Green Island team that were smashed 7-0 by Cashmere Technical and often struggle on their travels, I’ve got Suburbs scoring at least five goals in a big win.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Friday July 14, 2023
Ferrymead Bays v Dunedin City Royals
Ferrymead Park, Christchurch, 1.30pm
Nelson Suburbs v Green Island
Saxton Fields, Nelson, 2.30pm
Christchurch United v Selwyn United
United Sports Centre, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Cashmere Technical v Coastal Spirit
Garrick Memorial Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
FC Twenty 11 v Nomads United
Avonhead Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Logan Smith
Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League.
More football stories
