Genuine question for those that follow the league closer than I do, what the hell is gonna happen with Lower Hutt City?
They look like they're making National League atm but then the Phoenix reserves also make the National League? So what players will they even have? Or will they let the 4th placed team take their spot?
Not quite true. Nui knew last season before they even got promoted that their coach and the imports that they had weren't going to be back should they get promoted to CL.
Come the start of the season Wainui went "f**k" we have no coach and we don't have enough players. Ole came in and sold them with an absolute sales pitch that Lyle Lanley would have been proud of.
There were still players from last years team that were keen to be involved (including one who is a NZ representative at another sport and was willing to put that on hold so he could play CL) but they never got contacted because they were born after 00'.
The couple of players that were born after 00' were told they could only be involved if they could make it to trainings 2-3 times a week out at the Ole Academy some of which were at 3pm on weekdays.
Wainui paid the $10K registration fee and $20K to Ole for the coach, to essentially coach their own Ole players at their own facilities. Madness.
Genuine question for those that follow the league closer than I do, what the hell is gonna happen with Lower Hutt City?
They look like they're making National League atm but then the Phoenix reserves also make the National League? So what players will they even have? Or will they let the 4th placed team take their spot?
LH don't take up one of the three Central slots. They are there (as the Nix) already. Basically ignore them on the table
Thanks, yeah I genuinely wasn't sure. Makes sense now. So tight race for 4th spot then, be real good to have a regional side like Wairarapa or NCR make it.
On the other hand, for all the people b*tching about the Nix reserves getting an automatic National League spot... they've well and truly earnt it anyway...
Would be pretty amusing if Wests/Ole fail to qualify after years of trying to get into the national league, including one failed law suit.
Throw in Tim Payne & Andrew De Jong as outliers, and they won the National League de facto in 2018/19. Three of that team (ex Wests) are going to the Olympics. None from Waterside Karori I understand.
Ole have been "breaking their necks" to get into the National League for the last 20 years so in my opinion making The National league will be of far more significance to them than some players going to the Olympics.
In fact a few years ago they were looking to deny Ole players from representing their country at age grade level. coochiee
2ndBest
Would be pretty amusing if Wests/Ole fail to qualify after years of trying to get into the national league, including one failed law suit.
Throw in Tim Payne & Andrew De Jong as outliers, and they won the National League de facto in 2018/19. Three of that team (ex Wests) are going to the Olympics. None from Waterside Karori I understand.
Of significance to Ole is anything that they think helps develop their kids. Included in that is getting as much of them as possible, playing at the highest level in NZ there is. So yeah that's why they have been 'breaking their necks' trying to get into the National League.
And of course playing NL, making Chatham Cup finals etc is all additional good handy marketing when persuading parents to send their beloved offspring to Porrirua. But the Mad Hatter Edge has openly said he doesn't really give a fudge about winning titles & cups in NZ football, and I believe him. It's all about the best possible player development environment for the Ole youngsters.
They will be pretty proud about having 4 ex alumini at the Olympics, just as Weenix should be proud about being part of Bell, Cacace, Waine & Elliot's journey to Tokyo.
But U23 Olympic selection is very different to a U17 World Cup (was U17s WC that Ole threatened to withdrawl their players from). Pijnaker, Stamenic, McCowatt & Just have long left the Ole cocoon and are with overseas clubs, as adults. They ain't kids at Ole anymore, plus Hay is coaching the Oly Whites, and he seems to be a mate of Declan's - who 'trusted' him enough to handover his WS squad en masse when Hay coached ES.
That's very different to Ole not being happy to release their kids for that U17 WC squad, because they thought 4 weeks away at a WC (plus earlier camps), in a NZF training environment could actually be deterimential to their development. Was Bazely the U17s coach? Was it a fear that the U17s were just going to play route one football? I can't remember, but think it was something along those lines. Hence the reluctance to release the young kids from their training environment, where they are instructed not to play that way.
Those Ole youngsters playing for Wainui getting thrashed each week, well it won't be much fun. But as 16-17 year olds at WaiBOP playing NL 9-10 years ago, Ryan Thomas & Tyer Boyd went through a similar experience. Thomas played 18 NL games, for just 1 win. Boyd 14 NL games for 2 wins. That young WaiBOP team copped some proper hidings, but Edge stuck to his guns until he was sacked. The Ole/Wainui JV looks doomed to fail, but hopefully if nothing else there might be another future Thomas/Boyd running around Richard Prouse Park this season, learning a thing or two.
In relation to the U17s I recall that there was a meeting between Pragnell from NZ Football and Wilson from Ole. Prior to the meeting I recall Pragnell stating that Ole were either in the tent or outside, basically a threat. Ole then agreed for the kids to join the Under 17s.
I find it appalling that these kids were almost prevented by their club the honour of representing their country. I also recall a match programme where the Chairman of Wests was agreeing with Ole on this matter of keeping the kids out. It shows who is running the club.
coochiee
Of significance to Ole is anything that they think helps develop their kids. Included in that is getting as much of them as possible, playing at the highest level in NZ there is. So yeah that's why they have been 'breaking their necks' trying to get into the National League.
And of course playing NL, making Chatham Cup finals etc is all additional good handy marketing when persuading parents to send their beloved offspring to Porrirua. But the Mad Hatter Edge has openly said he doesn't really give a fudge about winning titles & cups in NZ football, and I believe him. It's all about the best possible player development environment for the Ole youngsters.
They will be pretty proud about having 4 ex alumini at the Olympics, just as Weenix should be proud about being part of Bell, Cacace, Waine & Elliot's journey to Tokyo.
But U23 Olympic selection is very different to a U17 World Cup (was U17s WC that Ole threatened to withdrawl their players from). Pijnaker, Stamenic, McCowatt & Just have long left the Ole cocoon and are with overseas clubs, as adults. They ain't kids at Ole anymore, plus Hay is coaching the Oly Whites, and he seems to be a mate of Declan's - who 'trusted' him enough to handover his WS squad en masse when Hay coached ES.
That's very different to Ole not being happy to release their kids for that U17 WC squad, because they thought 4 weeks away at a WC (plus earlier camps), in a NZF training environment could actually be deterimential to their development. Was Bazely the U17s coach? Was it a fear that the U17s were just going to play route one football? I can't remember, but think it was something along those lines. Hence the reluctance to release the young kids from their training environment, where they are instructed not to play that way.
Those Ole youngsters playing for Wainui getting thrashed each week, well it won't be much fun. But as 16-17 year olds at WaiBOP playing NL 9-10 years ago, Ryan Thomas & Tyer Boyd went through a similar experience. Thomas played 18 NL games, for just 1 win. Boyd 14 NL games for 2 wins. That young WaiBOP team copped some proper hidings, but Edge stuck to his guns until he was sacked. The Ole/Wainui JV looks doomed to fail, but hopefully if nothing else there might be another future Thomas/Boyd running around Richard Prouse Park this season, learning a thing or two.
At least on my maths, Miramar and Olympic first two teams confirmed into the National League? Thoughts on their chances at a title tilt? Auckland City a pretty big obstacle you gotta say.
At least on my maths, Miramar and Olympic first two teams confirmed into the National League? Thoughts on their chances at a title tilt? Auckland City a pretty big obstacle you gotta say.
Agreed though, Auckland City have to be pretty big favourites, with the bulk of their ISPS Handa side, and the way they are dominating the Northern League.
So entered all results and goal scorers for this season into LTrack (Plan to add all the Northern and Southern ones as well when have time)
So interesting stats 68 games, 28 wins from home team and 29 wins from away team, 11 draws. Total goals are 319 of which 171 at home and 148 away. Averaging 4.69 a game and been 25 clean sheets.
Most common result is 1-4 (5 times) and then 1-5 (4 times)
25 penalties have been scored this season, Lower Hutt and Miramar most penalties scored (5) and all LH pens have been scored by George Ott. North Wellington has conceded the most scored penalties with 6.
Lower Hutt ave 4 goals scored a game, Wainui least with 0.77 a game. Miramar goals conceded ave 0.64 a game, to Wainui 5.08 a game
There is a meeting this Thursday evening, 22 July at Wainui Clubrooms to discuss "where to" with the arrangement between Ole & Wainui for the Central League team, soon to be Capital Premier. If Wainui members have any sense they will send Ole packing and operate the club albeit in their own unique way.
There is a meeting this Thursday evening, 22 July at Wainui Clubrooms to discuss "where to" with the arrangement between Ole & Wainui for the Central League team, soon to be Capital Premier. If Wainui members have any sense they will send Ole packing and operate the club albeit in their own unique way.
that's a pretty tough ask for next year if they do though? Ole probably need them too now that their Prem teams may get the drop
Waterside Karori v North Wellington Last meeting was a 3-2 win to Karori who otherwise have had only 1 win in their last five games with L, W, L, D, W for last five games at home North Wellington have had one win in the last five also, but that win was an upset away win against Olympic. (and they probably would have had a win on weekend just been). They have scored in their last nine games.
Lower Hutt v Miramar Rangers Probably game of the round, these two last met in the 4th round of the Chatham Cup which saw Miramar win 4-1. Last time they met in the league was a 1-0 win to Miramar at home also. Lower Hutt have won their last five games at home, with only 1 loss in 10 games. They have scored in their last 11 games. Won their last 5 games, won their last 5 away, Miramar are unbeaten and undefeated this season in both the league and the Cup.
Wellington Olympic v Petone Olympic will be looking to push Rangers for 1st, hoping they slip up this weekend against LH. Last time they met Petone, it was a 3-1 win. Olympic have had 1 loss in 14 games, scoring in their last 5. Petone have lost their last 4 games, scoring only 1 goal in that time despite being at home for 3 of them, so they will be wondering where the goals will come from. Can't see anything but an Olympic result.
Napier City Rovers v Wairarapa Both team needing the win to push Suburbs for the 3rd qualifying spot. Last met in Round 2 of Chatham Cup which saw Napier beat Rapa 4-2, revenge for their 0-5 lost earlier in the season. Napier have only got 8 points out of a last possible 24. L, L, W, L, D for last five games at home Wairarapa only one win in their last 5 games, 11 points out of a possible 24. recently.
Western Suburbs v Wainuiomata Western Suburbs looking at an easy three points to keep their hopes of taking 3rd spot for the National League, last time Wests v Wainui met it was a 4-1 win to Suburbs. Suburbs have had only had one loss in their last 6 and can't see another one here at home. Wainui already looking at Cap Prem unless there is a miracle in their last 5 games (have a catch up after game cancelled last weekend), they have not won this season, not even picking up a point. In 13 games, have only not scored in 4 of them is about their best stat.
Wainui's best option is probably to write off Ole as a bad experience and enter their first team into Capital 4 which is currently where their real first team play. They would then once again become a true club.
Wainui's best option is probably to write off Ole as a bad experience and enter their first team into Capital 4 which is currently where their real first team play. They would then once again become a true club.
Which would work out quite ironic if them pulling out kept the West’s resies up
Wests with a comfortable 7-0 win over Nui with Ihaia Delaney scoring four. Rapa claim the points up in Napier with a 3-2 win, some controversy maybe with Robertson being sent 35 mins into the first half and a penalty given that Ifill slotted away.
That sees Wairarapa stay in contention 3 points behind Suburbs with the following matches left. Wairarapa v Wainui, North Wellington and Lower Hutt Suburbs v Olympic, Napier and Karori image.png25.19 KB
Only the one game on this weekend with Miramar and Suburbs in the Chatham Cup.
Waterside Karori v Petone as a catch-up game after previous match was abandoned.
Previous meeting saw Petone pick up one of their only two wins this season as they beat Karori at home 3-1. Petone last win was against Wainui six games ago having lost their last five, they also haven't kept a clean sheet this season.
Karori have done a bit better, but have still lost their last two games and not managed a goal since their 1-1 draw with Rapa. They also have not won since also beating Wainui five games ago. Their last win at home was the 1-0 upset over Wests.
Round 16 - Three games left for most clubs (Catch up also between Wainui and North Wellington to be played 21st August)
Lower Hutt v North Wellington Lower Hutt are on a roll again after their lost three weeks back to Olympic, including knocking Miramar off top spot in the last round. Last time the two teams met it was a 5-4 win to Lower Hutt, but they did it the hard way, winning thanks to a goal in the 92min and a penalty scored in the 94th to take the 3 points. North Wellington surprisingly haven't won at home with all four wins being away to Wainui, Petone, Karori and Olympic, they will be hoping for another away win here.
Miramar Rangers v Petone Miramar are coming off a great victory in the Chatham Cup after beating Auckland City, putting their lost to Lower Hutt in the last round behind them. Last time these two teams meet was a 4-0 win to Rangers, and they are undefeated at home, meanwhile Petone are still looking for that third win after 5 losses in a row after their last win back in April against Karori.
Wainuiomata v Wairarapa Poor Wainui are still winless and have not picked up any points this season, they had a 0-7 loss to Wests in the last round. Last time these two teams meet was also a 0-7 win to Wairarapa. Wairarapa will be happy to take all three points here again as they chase Suburbs for that final 3rd spot, 3 points behind them on the table.
Waterside Karori v Napier City Battle of the mid-table sees Napier travel down to play Karori, last time these two meet was 0-0 draw which neither team will want. Karori picked up three points in a catch up win against Petone last weekend after three losses and a draw before that. They will also be pleased with the four goals scored after only managing two in the last four games. Napier are coming off two losses at home and will be looking to change that.
Western Suburbs v Wellington Olympic Game of the round sees 1st v 3rd (4th) with Olympics wanting to keep top spot after overtaking Miramar last round and Wests wanting to hold onto that 3rd spot in the National League. Last time they meet, it was a 3-2 win to Olympic who are undefeated away from home this season, only dropping collecting all three points in each away game after draws against Miramar and North Wellington. Meanwhile Suburbs are through to the Semi-finals in the Chatham Cup and haven't lost at home since 2nd April against Miramar. Should be a good game to watch.
Not a super close follower of this region but effectively seems Wests to lose at the moment? They'd have to lose at least one for it not to be the case.
Petone v Wainuiomata Battle for last place as there is a small chance Wainui could move above Petone after picking up their first point last week in a 1-1 draw with Wairarapa. Petone are on 6 points and haven't seen any since they beat Wainui 4-2 last time these two met in May.
Waterside Karori v Lower Hutt Waterside are an outside chance of making National League, but would need to upset Lower Hutt here and then beat Wests to claim the spot. While coming off two wins against Napier and Petone, last time these two met it was a 4-2 victory for Lower Hutt. Meanwhile, Lower Hutt only losses have come to the top two teams, so will be hard to beat.
Wellington Olympic v Miramar Rangers "This one was for all the marbles!" The season decider, while Olympic can draw here like the last time these two met, Miramar need all three points to take out the league. 3:45pm at Wakefield Park, if you can then get along to watch!
Napier City Rovers v Western Suburbs Napier have lost their last three games, while their last two wins were against Petone and Wainui. Meanwhile, Wests will be looking to cement their place for the 3rd National League spot with all three points after a close 1-2 lost the weekend before against Olympic. They ran out comfortable winners 4-1 last time these two met.
Wairarapa United v North Wellington Wairarapa will be disappointed to have dropped points last week against Wainui now making their job harder to claim the National League spot. They beat North Wellington 4-3 last time they met and need all three points here. North Wellington have been a mix bag, but have the surprising record of not winning at home. All four wins this season have been on the road, so they will take another road win here.
Well done Olympic, Miramar had their chances first half. Nice big crowd too
Congratulations Olympic.Looked like the conditions were pretty rough for players and supporters alike. The stream was a bit weird with a light pole the main focus, along with the dugouts you missed quite a bit of the game. I guess if you have the $$$ for players you can win the🏆.
Well done Olympic, Miramar had their chances first half. Nice big crowd too
Congratulations Olympic.Looked like the conditions were pretty rough for players and supporters alike. The stream was a bit weird with a light pole the main focus, along with the dugouts you missed quite a bit of the game. I guess if you have the $$$ for players you can win the🏆.
Drove from kapiti to watch the game and the weather didn't really play ball. Stuck around for the whole thing though, great atmosphere all things considered.
The livestream guys had a scissor lift there that I think was meant for their main camera but obviously the wind wasn't going to allowthat. Would've made a nicer viewing experience online though.
Well done to Olympic too, they deserved the win imo.