By Warren Olson
Round 11 of the Women’s Central League pretty much went to script, with leaders Wellington United and Waterside Karori both winning by six-goal margins.
The improving Taradale also jumped on the six-goal bandwagon, putting that number past cellar dwellers Seatoun.
The only surprise was to see Petone falter, having their hopes dashed as challengers for a National League qualifying spot. A stoppage-time goal by Moturoa saw the teams draw 1-1.
Here are this weekend’s fixtures, with my bold predictions:
Wellington United Diamonds v Moturoa
The Diamonds can’t drop their guard as they cling to a one-point lead at the top of the table.
Though National League qualifications are assured, the title race remains alive.
Moturoa will be on a high after matching Petone last week, and they won’t be easy-beats.
Players to watch
United defender Hope Gilchrist is having a stellar season in front of goal. Apart from her skill at heading in corners, her rampaging runs from the back have seen her net some special long-range shots with the result she is right up there in the Golden Boot chase.
For Moturoa, their young goalkeeper, Harriet Muller, will no doubt be kept busy by the plethora of attacking talent she will face, but “Hazza” has proven all season long she is well up to the challenge.
Prediction: Wellington United 3-0.
Seatoun v Waterside Karori
In their bid to overhaul leaders Wellington United, Karori will be pleased to have what seems a fairly light run-in until the title rivals face off in a re-arranged fixture set down for September 7, which will be the final game of the Central League season.
Having been humbled 6-0 by mid-table Taradale last week, things won’t be happy in the Seatoun camp, and it’s hard to see that changing this week.
Players to watch
Current Golden Boot leader Nikki Furukawa, who left Seatoun to join Karori at the start of the season, looks sure to add to her tally against her former club.
The talented Kennedy Bryant will probably add a few more as well.
The Magpies could well run up another seven-goal haul this week.
Prediction: Waterside Karori 7-0.
Palmerston North Marist v Victoria University
It was surprising to see the Green and Whites concede seven goals to Karori last week, but Victoria University were not much better, shipping six to Wellington United.
Only one goal separated the pair in the round one reverse fixture, and they are only one point apart on the league table.
You don’t need to be a Rhodes scholar to figure this one should be close.
Players to watch
For Palmy, captain Melissa McKenna is going to have to shore up her troops in defence, and Sam Senior will have do the same with the University side, who gave United far too much freedom in midfield last week.
Prediction: 1-1 draw
Taradale v Petone
The final game of the round is potentially the best as faltering Petone face the four-hour drive to take on Taradale who are rapidly gaining in confidence .
Following the disappointment of conceding an equaliser in added time last time out, Petone’s resilience will be tested by the home side who scored their best-ever win last week with a 6-0 drubbing of Seatoun.
Taradale can now challenge the visitors for the third spot on the ladder and will be well-positioned with a win on Sunday.
Players to watch
It was never going to be easy for the ‘Dale with the travel and limited resources player-wise, but they have really progressed during the season.
One who has started to shine not only in her defensive position, but also scored their opener last week, is Megan Thomas, who will be sure to make things difficult for the Blues.
As for Petone, Pepi Oliver-Bell hasn’t often shown the patches of brilliance she produced for Wellington United last season, but the talent is there and she is certainly capable of getting her side back on track.
Prediction: Taradale 2. Petone 2
Golden Boot
8 — Nikki Furukawa (Waterside Karori)
7 — Natalie Olson (Wellington United)
6 — Hope Gilchrist (Wellington United), Danielle Ohlsson (Petone)
5 — Ruby-Aroha Gurnick (Palmerston North Marist), Pepi Olliver-Bell (Petone), Sasha Rasmussen (Moturoa), Kya Solomon (Taradale)
4 — Maddison Hughes (Taradale), Fernanda Toscani (Moturoa), Renee Bacon (Waterside Karori), Kennedy Bryant (Waterside Karori), Bella Cartman (Wellington United)
3 — Phoebe Gray (Petone), Misha Koyari (Wellington United), Grace Smith. (Palmerston North Marist), Tessa Brownlie (Victoria University), Libby Boobyer (Petone), Jemma Catherwood (Wellington United), Melissa McKenna (Palmerston North Marist), Hannah Pilley (Wellington United), Kendall Pollock (Waterside Karori)
Fixtures
Game to be played on Saturday August 10, 2024
Wellington United Diamonds v Moturoa
Newtown Park, Newtown, 2.30pm
Seatoun v Waterside Karori
Seatoun Park, Seatoun, 2.30pm
Palmerston North Marist v Victoria University
Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North 3pm
Game to be played on Sunday August 11, 2024
Taradale v Petone
Taradale Park, Taradale 1pm
Warren Olson
Warren Olson is a Wellington-based enthusiast for and long-time follower of women’s football.
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