By Logan Smith
Women’s South Island League leaders Cashmere Technical could celebrate the league title as early as this weekend, though it’s more likely they’ll be made to wait by local rivals Coastal Spirit.
If Cashmere do manage to pull it off, It will signal a shift of power as Coastal Spirit have largely dominated women’s football in the Canterbury region for the last decade.
The round kicks off on Saturday morning at 11.30am, with Coastal Spirit welcoming Nelson Suburbs to English Park.
The hosts know they have scant room for error, as failure to win could open the door for Cashmere Technical to clinch the league title later in the day.
At 12.30pm, Dunedin City Royals host Otago University at Tahuna Park, newly upgraded thanks to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
At 2.45pm, Cashmere Technical and UC Football complete the round at Garrick Memorial Park.
Game of the week
Dunedin City Royals and Otago University have enjoyed a few fiery contests this year, and this will be the fifth and final time they meet this season.
In the reverse fixture two weeks ago, underdogs University held the Royals to a 2-2 draw, which sets up this weekend’s fixture well.
The Royals will be out to re-establish their ascendancy, while University may hope to go one better and record a famous win.
Player to watch
Not a high-scoring side this season, UC Football have often had to rely on strong performances in defence and between the goalposts.
Goalkeeper Danja Jamieson (18) has been performing well for them in recent weeks to keep some tough games close, and it looks like the former Southland United and Queen’s Park player will be well-needed against Cashmere Technical this Saturday.
Bold prediction
Coastal Spirit aren’t a team to go down without a fight and they have put some big scorelines on weaker opponents this season.
Further, they know that despite being in a chasing position, their title hopes remain in their own hands.
It might turn out to be bad timing for a struggling Nelson Suburbs — and I’m predicting a Spirit win by at least five goals.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday August 19, 2023
Coastal Spirit v Nelson Suburbs
English Park, Christchurch, 11.30am
Dunedin City Royals v Otago University
Tahuna Park, Dunedin, 12.30pm
Cashmere Technical v Universities of Canterbury
Garrick Memorial 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
