By Joan Grey
New Bay of Plenty side Tauranga Moana have seized the early lead in the Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship after their enthralling 4-3 victory in last weekend’s top-of-the-table clash against Franklin United.
Scoring at least three goals in all of their opening games, Tauranga have quickly become a force to be reckoned with and are the only unbeaten side in the competition.
Bay of Plenty football fans can catch the new leader in action at Otumoetai’s Fergusson Park when Tauranga hosts Birkenhead United.
It will be their first game played at Otumoetai FC’s home ground after the merging of the Otumoetai, Tauranga City and Papamoa women’s teams.
Just two games were played in the Championship last weekend, with the Melville/Birkenhead clash postponed, and Central United defaulting to Northern Rovers.
Weather permitting, a full round will go ahead this weekend.
The Championship’s first Friday night fixture of the season sees Northern Rovers host Onehunga Sports under lights at Becroft Park.
Onehunga Sports are riding a two-game winning streak, including a seven-goal romp against Manukau United.
On Sunday, Franklin United head south to face Melville United, and Birkenhead United travel to Manuaku United, who are searching for their first victory this season.
Fixtures
Game to be played on Friday April 26, 2024
Northern Rovers v Onehunga Sports
Becroft Park, Forrest Hill, 7.30pm
Games to be played on Sunday April 28, 2024
Tauranga Moana v Central United
Fergusson Park, Otumoetai, 1pm
Melville United v Franklin United
Gower Park, Hamilton, 1pm
Birkenhead United v Manukau United
Shepherds Park, Birkenhead, 1pm
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football.
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