By Logan Smith and Harrison Ryburn
The Southern League’s struggling sides, FC Twenty 11 and UC Football, face a crucial weekend when they meet at Avonhead Park on Saturday.
After six rounds, both are stuck at the foot of the table, winless and without any league points.
In Round 7, Coastal Spirit kick off proceedings at midday, hosting a resurgent Dunedin City Royals side at English Park.
Later, the relegation battle comes into focus with FC Twenty 11 playing UC Football, while Cashmere Technical should beat Nomads without trouble.
Finally, for the day, Selwyn United welcome Christchurch United to the turf at Foster Park, with the visitors eager to respond to defeat against Coastal Spirit.
On Sunday, a tight midtable showdown beckons, with Ferrymead Bays making the trip north to Nelson Suburbs.
Game of the week
In terms of importance to their seasons, FC Twenty 11’s match against UC Football is the standout fixture.
Both teams remain on zero points after six rounds, and it’s clear that they are both in a relegation battle, with only Selwyn United anywhere close on the league table.
FC Twenty were on the wrong end of some big scorelines early in the season but have improved since, while UC Football have done the opposite, getting thrashed against Cashmere and the Royals lately after a string of close losses.
It feels like anyone’s game this Saturday.
Players to watch
David Yoo (24) is quickly becoming one of the most exciting players to watch in the league, and is building a fine highlights package already with his goals for Christchurch United.
After a spectacular strike in their defeat against Coastal Spirit, he bagged two more goals against Western in the Chatham Cup, including a powerful effort from outside the box.
Can he keep his rich form going this weekend? Selwyn will be rightfully wary.
— Logan Smith
Daniel Meyn (19) has started in all of Christchurch United’s Southern League fixtures so far this season, and has caught the eye with his ball control and passing accuracy in midfield.
He’s scored twice in both the English Cup and Chatham Cup for United this campaign, and will hope to break his Southern League duck when United travel to Selwyn on Saturday, looking to bounce back from defeat to Coastal Spirit.
— Harrison Ryburn
Bold predictions
Cashmere Technical have shown they’re not a team that shows mercy, with four consecutive big wins across all competitions, including an 11-0 annihilation of Burwood in Chatham Cup action last weekend.
However, they meet Nomads United who have been in solid form themselves and haven’t lost since nearly a month ago against Coastal Spirit.
I think they can give the league leaders more of a game than expected — let’s say 3-1 to Technical.
— Logan Smith
UC Football’s visit to FC Twenty 11 shapes as an early six-pointer, with both clubs still pointless after six rounds.
Generally, UC’s performances have been better, with a few narrow one-goal defeats, while FC Twenty 11 have scored just once and average an 0-6 scoreline in league fixtures.
With that in mind, I’m backing UC to pick up their first three points with a 3-1 win.
— Harrison Ryburn
Golden Boot
18 — Garbhan Coughlan (Cashmere Technical)
9 — Alejandro Steinwascher (Coastal Spirit)
8 — Joel Stevens (Christchurch United), Lyle Matthysen (Cashmere Technical)
5 — Satsuki Ito (Ferrymead Bays), Spencer Barber (Nelson Suburbs)
4 — David Yoo (Christchurch United), Flynn Holdem (Nomads United), Michael Hornsby (Christchurch United), Trevin Myers (Nelson Suburbs), Tom Schwartz (Cashmere Technical)
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday May 18, 2024
Southern League
Coastal Spirit v Dunedin City Royals
English Park, Christchurch, 12pm
FC Twenty 11 v UC Football
Avonhead Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Cashmere Technical v Nomads United
Garrick Memorial Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Selwyn United v Christchurch United
Foster Park, Christchurch, 3pm
Games to be played on Sunday May 19, 2024
Nelson Suburbs v Ferrymead Bays
Saxton Fields, Nelson, 12.30pm
Logan Smith
Logan Smith is a passionate football fan and volunteer, based in Dunedin, covering the Southern League.
Harrison Ryburn
Harrison Ryburn is a Canterbury-based football writer.
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