By Logan Smith and Harrison Ryburn
Much of the focus will be on Garrick Memorial Park for this weekend’s penultimate round of the Southern League, as league leaders Cashmere Technical could win the league title for the first time since 2021 if they beat Ferrymead Bays.
Dan Schwarz’s men have put together a nearly flawless season so far, with 14 wins in 16 league games, and most will expect them to seal the title on Saturday as well as nail National League qualification.
However, the pressure is still very much on, as their final assignment will be Christchurch United, with both the Rams and Coastal able to launch a title bid if Technical slip against Ferrymead.
Nomads United welcome UC Football to Tulett Park for an interesting clash, with both sides enjoying some good moments this season but arriving into this fixture in poor form.
In Saturday’s other game, Cashmere host Ferrymead Bays, with the away side hoping to play party poopers and stop Cashmere winning the league title.
On Sunday, National League contenders Christchurch United and Coastal Spirit will both be getting on the plane, with Spirit heading south to play the Royals while United take on Nelson Suburbs at Saxtons Fields.
Given form throughout 2024, both should be expected to win, and yet may be a bit nervous with the Royals and Suburbs both boasting decent home records over recent years.
Finally, in a midweek catch-up game, Coastal Spirit will be in action again, this time against relegated FC Twenty 11.
It’s well established that qualification could come down to goal difference, so expect the Spirit to pile on as many goals as they can, like how Christchurch United did in thrashing Selwyn 9-0.
Both of Saturday’s matches and the match between Nelson Suburbs and Christchurch United will be streamed live and free on FIFA+.
Game of the week
While the league table doesn’t lie about the Coastal Spirit being head and shoulders above the Royals this season, we’ve seen their resilience waver in recent defeats to Christchurch United and Wellington Olympic.
And it’s the Royals who have dominated this fixture in the past too, with two wins and one draw in their previous Southern League matches at home to Coastal.
While the home side have been weaker than usual this year, the pressure is still on Coastal Spirit to again prove this season they are a different team to previous years.
Players to watch
Christchurch United may have gone down by a 2-0 margin against Cashmere Technical in their English Cup semi-final, but goalkeeper Steven van Dijk still made some important saves to intervene and keep them in the game at times.
United should be favourites in Nelson on Saturday, but the hosts boast a great record in front of goal and have scored at least twice in their last eight league games, losing only against Cashmere too.
I think van Dijk will be a busy man once again, but if he can put in a strong shift and keep Suburbs’ attack quiet, United should cruise to victory with their lively front line likely to bag a few themselves.
— Logan Smith
With Ferrymead Bays struggling for consistency, Cameron Rean is someone who has flown under the radar this season.
The midfielder is his team’s highest scorer in the Southern League with nine goals, including one in the defeat against Nelson Suburbs last weekend.
Formerly of Coastal Spirit, he’ll be someone Cashmere Technical will have to be wary of on Saturday.
— Harrison Ryburn
Bold predictions
I can’t see Ferrymead Bays laying a glove on Cashmere Technical at Garrick Memorial Park on Saturday.
The hosts are riding a formidable wave right now, having smashed six past each of Nelson, UC and Nomads in league action so far this month.
They were also victorious in English Cup action midweek, booking their place in the final with an assured 2-0 win over Christchurch United.
I’m thinking it’ll be a 4-0 success for them against Ferrymead.
— Logan Smith
Coastal Spirit will hope Christchurch United drop points when they make the trip to Nelson on Sunday.
Suburbs are well-known for being tough at home and they took points off Spirit earlier in the season with a 3-3 draw.
However, their defence is one of the worst in the league, conceding at least twice in each of their last three games. I’m backing their clash to be high-scoring, but Christchurch United will do just enough to keep themselves in the top two with a 3-2 victory.
— Harrison Ryburn
Golden Boot
23 — Garbhan Coughlan (Cashmere Technical)
18— Joel Stevens (Christchurch United)
16 — Alejandro Steinwascher (Coastal Spirit)
13 — Trevin Myers (Nelson Suburbs)
12 — Lennon Whewell (Nelson Suburbs)
10 — Jack Hallahan (Cashmere Technical), Gabriel Gallaway (Cashmere Technical)
9 — Lyle Matthysen (Cashmere Technical), Yuya Taguchi (Cashmere Technical), Cameron Rean (Ferrymead Bays), David Yoo (Christchurch United)
8 — Matt Brazier (Christchurch United), Satsuki Ito (Ferrymead Bays), Flynn Holdem (Nomads United)
7 — Spencer Barber (Nelson Suburbs), Liam Cotter (Coastal Spirit)
6 — Angus McIntyre (Nomads United), Lachie McIsaac (Cashmere Technical), Will Turner (Dunedin City Royals), Nic Zambrano (Dunedin City Royals)
5 — Weston Bell (Coastal Spirit)
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday August 24, 2024
Nomads United v UC Football
Tulett Park, Bishopdale, 2.45pm
Cashmere Technical v Ferrymead Bays
Garrick Memorial Park, Christchurch, 2.45pm
Games to be played on Sunday August 25, 2024
Dunedin City Royals v Coastal Spirit
Tahuna Park, Dunedin, 12pm
Nelson Suburbs v Christchurch United
Saxton Fields, Nelson, 12.30pm
Game to be played on Wednesday August 28, 2024
Coastal Spirit v FC Twenty 11
English Park, Christchurch, 7.30pm
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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