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What to Expect in the Men’s National League This Weekend

Published

2 months ago

10/12/2024

Round three of the Men’s National League Championship kicks off tomorrow, featuring two matches on Saturday and three on Sunday. Here’s a preview of what to expect:

Wellington Olympic vs Eastern Suburbs (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Martin Luckie Park)

Wellington Olympic, nicknamed the ‘Greeks,’ come into this match under pressure after a goalless draw in their opening game against Coastal Spirit. Having had a perfect season before the National League Championship, Paul Ifill’s side needs a win to keep their final hopes in their own hands. A defeat or draw could leave them relying on other results.

Their opponents, Eastern Suburbs, bring a top scorer in Jake Mechell, who has already netted twice in the tournament. The Auckland-based ‘Lilywhites’ know a win could push Wellington Olympic to the brink of elimination. Expect a fiercely contested match, with both teams seeking a decisive result.

Western Springs vs Birkenhead United (Saturday, 7:30 PM, Seddon Fields)

Western Springs will face off against Birkenhead United in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both sides have had mixed results in the opening rounds, with Western Springs bouncing back from a heavy 4-0 loss to Napier City Rovers by beating Coastal Spirit 6-2.

Birkenhead, meanwhile, has struggled with consistency. Despite creating numerous chances, they have only one point to show from their first two matches. Both teams have conceded six goals so far, so defensive solidity will be crucial. A win for Western Springs could leave Birkenhead at the bottom of the table, while Birkenhead will be desperate to get their season back on track.

Coastal Spirit vs Western Suburbs (Sunday, 1:00 PM, Linfield Park)

Both teams are still searching for their first win of the season after two rounds. Coastal Spirit and Western Suburbs each have one point and find themselves at the bottom of the league standings.

This matchup features two of the top scorers from the regional phase: Alejandro Steinwascher (Coastal Spirit) and Lucas Meek (Western Suburbs). Both sides will be eager to secure three points and climb the table.

Napier City Rovers vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves (Sunday, 2:00 PM, Bluewater Stadium)

Napier City Rovers have been one of the most consistent teams so far, boasting four points from two games, including a 4-0 win over Western Springs. Oscar Faulds, their star forward with 22 goals this year, will be looking to add to his tally.

Wellington Phoenix Reserves come into this game off the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Cashmere Technical but may be missing key players such as Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, Luke Supyk, and Finn Conchie. This should be an intriguing matchup, with both sides in strong form.

Auckland City FC vs Cashmere Technical (Sunday, 2:00 PM, Kiwitea Street)

Auckland City FC, the only team with a perfect record so far, will host Southern League champions Cashmere Technical. The Navy Blues are fresh from a narrow 1-0 victory over Wellington Olympic, and despite not being at their best last weekend, they remain heavy favourites.

Cashmere Technical will be without their top scorer, Garbhan Coughlan, which could ease the pressure on Auckland City’s defence. After suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Wellington Phoenix Reserves last week, Cashmere faces a tough challenge against the league leaders.