PREVIEW: Tricky run-in for top three sides in Lotto NRFL Northern Conference

By Jack Sharp

Waitemata are closing in on the Lotto NRFL Men’s Northern Conference title, despite dropping two points to lowly Te Atatu last time out.

With four rounds left — and a game in hand for challengers Northland — there’s little room for error.

The top three sides all have to play each other in the fixture run-in.

That’s why Waitemata, Waiheke United and Northland all need to pick up wins this weekend when they meet lower-ranked opposition.

Waitemata host Albany United, who are capable of beating any team in the competition on their day.

Waiheke United travel to Oratia United who in the last chance saloon as they fight to clear the bottom of the league.

And Northland could find it tricky with a trip to Te Atatu, who upset Waitemata with a goalless draw last weekend.

The run-in for the title

Waitemata

Albany United (h)
Northland (a)
Beachlands Maraetai (h)
Waiheke United (a)

Waiheke United

Oratia United (a)
Te Atatu (h)
Northland (a)
Waitemata (h)

Northland

Te Atatu (a)
Waitemata (h)
Waiheke United (h)
Bucklands Beach (a)
Bucklands Beach (h)

*Supporters celebrate a goal by Waitemata’s Arnold Kochasira (right) against Bucklands Beach while teammate Adam Hargood runs to congratulate him. Regan Dewar Photo: Phototek.*

Player to watch

Take a bow, Arnold Kochasira.

The Waitemata marksman has racked up his 150th first team appearance and is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer (since they began keeping records).

Kochasira (32) has scored more than a hundred goals in the five years he’s been at Waitemata since moving from Mangere United.

In their tribute to Kochasira, the club posted on their social media channel: “Arnold is not only a fan favourite but also a highly respected figure among his coaches and teammates while being a formidable opponent on the field. His blistering pace and knack for scoring sensational goals have consistently thrilled our supporters over the seasons.

“Despite opportunities to play for clubs in higher divisions, Arnold has remained fiercely loyal to Waitemata FC and his friends here. We look forward to seeing him continue to wear our colours for many more years.”

Bold prediction

Te Atatu showed their mettle when they held leaders Waitemata last week, and I think they’re capable of doing something similar when they host high-flying Northland on Saturday. I’ll pick a low-scoring draw.

Last week, I picked Waitemata to return to winning form against Te Atatu, taking the points with a couple of goals to spare. They drew 0-0.

Golden Boot

12 — Mark Giles (Beachlands Maraetai), Sander Waterland (Bucklands Beach)
10 — James Chamberlain-Barlow (Albany United)
8 — Adam Hargood (Waitemata), Kyle Levell (Northland), Nico Vanina (Waiheke United)
7 — Fumiya Ito (Northland), Josh Smith (Bucklands Beach)
6 — Alexander Thurbon (Beachlands Maraetai)
5 — Ethan Carter (Northland), Harry Murphy (Waitemata), Lyle Jones (Bucklands Beach), Ramon Lindner (Waiheke United), Shane Tanner (Waitemata)
4 — Ali Ryou Zeyni (Beachlands Maraetai), Andy Kapteyn (Oratia United), Arnold Kochasira (Waitemata), Daniel Peak (Te Atatu), Diego Carvajal (Waiheke United), Gian Krauer (Albany United), Jared Colligan (Te Atatu), Lukas Webster (Waitemata), Mikael Munday (Northland), Milan Clarke (Northland), Oliver Peters (Beachlands Maraetai), Roy van Leeuwen (Waitemata), Sergio Lindner (Waiheke United)

Fixtures

Games to be played on Saturday August 17, 2024

Oratia United v Waiheke United
Parrs Park, Oratia, 3pm

Te Atatu v Northland
Te Atatu Peninsula Park, Te Atatu, 3pm

Beachlands Maraetai v Bucklands Beach
Te Puru Park, Beachlands, 3pm

Waitemata v Albany United
McLeod Park, Te Atatu, 3pm

Jack Sharp

Jack Sharp is a long-time follower of club football in New Zealand and is a volunteer writer for Friends of Football. You can show your appreciation for his work by buying him a coffee.