By Logan Smith
Fresh off a draw against reigning champions Coastal Spirit, league leaders Cashmere Technical face another stern test in Christchurch, facing Dunedin City Royals in a crunch game on Saturday.
The round kicks off at midday Saturday on the turf at English Park, with bottom sides UC Football and Nelson Suburbs facing off.
Both have just one point from four games and are searching for their first victory.
At 12.30pm, across town at Garrick Memorial Park, it’s the top-of-the-table clash between Cashmere Technical and Dunedin City Royals, with top spot on the line.
Finally, on Sunday, Otago University host Coastal Spirit at the Dunedin Artificial Turf, where the students will look to stay ahead of the reigning champs with a win or draw.
Game of the week
It’s got to be the top-two showdown between Cashmere Technical and the Dunedin City Royals.
Cashmere established a three-point lead over the Royals with a 2-0 away win back in the first round, but the gap has since been shaved to just one point due to Cashmere drawing against Coastal Spirit and the Royals winning elsewhere.
Hence it’s a chance for the Royals to move into top spot with victory, but you can be sure that Cashmere won’t make it easy for them, and themselves could move four points clear at the top by winning.
Player to watch
Otago University striker Amy Hislop scored the only goal as Otago University beat Nelson Suburbs last weekend.
Having shown her physical prowess up front throughout the season, she primes as a key figure for Otago University if they are to stage an upset result against Coastal Spirit.
Bold prediction
The goals tend to flow in women’s football matches around the South Island, with low-scoring games not particularly common.
But I’m predicting we’ll get the first 0-0 draw of the league this weekend, when UC Football and Nelson Suburbs meet at English Park.
Both failed to get on the scoresheet last week, and I think the same will happen again.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday July 22, 2023
Universities of Canterbury v Nelson Suburbs
English Park, Christchurch, 12pm
Cashmere Technical v Dunedin City Royals
Garrick Memorial Park, Christchurch, 12.30pm
Game to be played on Sunday July 23, 2023
Otago University v Coastal Spirit
Dunedin Artificial Turf, Dunedin, 12.30pm
Logan Smith
Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League.
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