By Joan Grey
The second round-robin of the Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship kicks off this weekend with salient match-ups.
Franklin United and Onehunga Sports have leapfrogged Tauranga Moana on the table, claiming a joint lead by a single point.
Both Onehunga and Tauranga Moana face stern tests this Sunday to grab their three points, while Franklin’s game is postponed.
Onehunga will host Birkenhead United, who have been in impressive form in recent weeks.
Last weekend, an 89th-minute equaliser from substitute Abby Chad saw Birkenhead secure a 3-3 draw with Tauranga.
Notably, one of Onehunga’s two losses this season was a narrow 0-1 against Birkenhead in their opening-round encounter.
That said, Onehunga have been invincible at Waikaraka Park, winning every home game, and they’ll be keen to delight their home supporters again.
Meanwhile, Tauranga will cross the Kaimais for their tussle against fellow WaiBOP team Melville United.
Scoring 13 goals in their last three games, Melville are in fine fettle.
At the other end of the table, cellar-dwellers Manukau United face seventh-placed Central United.
This match presents Manukau United with their best chance yet to win a game this season and clamber off the foot of the table. In their previous meeting, Manukau secured their only point this season with a 3-3 draw against Central.
The Franklin United and Northern Rovers league match has been postponed.
Instead, both teams will lock horns in round three of the Kate Sheppard Cup on Sunday at McFetridge Park.
Franklin and Rovers are the last remaining Championship sides in pursuit of the Cup.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday June 16, 2024
Melville United v Tauranga Moana
Gower Park, Hamilton, 1pm
Central United v Manukau United
Venue TBC, Auckland, 1pm
Franklin United v Northern Rovers
Postponed due to both teams’ playing in the Kate Sheppard Cup
Onehunga Sports v Birkenhead United
Waikaraka Park, Onehunga, 1pm
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football.
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