By Logan Smith
The top three of Cashmere Technical, Dunedin City Royals and Coastal Spirit all look likely to put another three points on the board this Saturday, with home fixtures against bottom-half opposition.
Dunedin City Royals kick off the women’s South Island League action at midday, hosting Nelson Suburbs at the Dunedin Artificial Turf.
The Royals will be intent on bouncing back from defeat to Cashmere Technical, while Suburbs continue to search for their first win of the league, having lost a close game 1-0 to UC Football last weekend.
Leaders Cashmere Technical will be out to continue their good form which currently has them on track for the league title, and host Otago University at 12.30pm.
Otago University recorded good away wins against UC Football and Nelson Suburbs but were humbled 10-0 at the hands of a rampant Coastal Spirit last weekend.
Finally, at 2.45pm, Coastal Spirit will look to build on that big win, and host UC Football at English Park, with both clubs looking for back-to-back wins in the league.
Game of the week
It’s hard to pick out any particular game of the week with all three games having a clear favourite, but Dunedin City Royals’ home game against Nelson Suburbs should provide interesting viewing.
Suburbs have never travelled to Dunedin for a women’s football match before and will hope to make it a close game against the Royals like in the reverse fixture.
With the Royals strong on home turf and recently outplaying UC Football 6-0 there, it could be a tough challenge though.
Player to watch
Coastal Spirit and Samoa attacker Jayda Stewart (21) was on fire against Otago University, causing them problems all game, scoring four goals of her own and contributing to others.
As they target another win to back up the result, she may be important once again and will be a serious cause for worry for UC Football ahead of the game.
Bold prediction
Otago University were carved apart by Coastal Spirit last weekend, and now make the intimidating trip to league leaders Cashmere Technical.
The signs might point to another big loss for the university side, but I think they’ll get on the scoresheet twice in an entertaining loss. I’ll go for a 5-2 scoreline.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday July 29, 2023
Women’s South Island League
Dunedin City Royals v Nelson Suburbs
Dunedin Artificial Turf, Dunedin, 12pm
Cashmere Technical v Otago University
Garrick Memorial Park, Christchurch, 12.30pm
Coastal Spirit v Universities of Canterbury
English Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Logan Smith
Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League.
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