Now that the clocks are being wound back to 1992 - the last time the Central League had possible promotion each year to a winter National League (that system was in place 1970-1992 before the myriad of changes by NZF thereafter until it settled down again in 2005) I thought that I would take a look at cumulative results from 2005 when the Central League was reintroduced to the end of this season.
24 clubs have participated over the 22 years but only 4 have played the full quota of 396 matches - Miramar, NCR, Olympic and Wests. Amazingly Olympic and Miramar have precisely the same win/draw/loss record over those 296 matches !!!CL 22 Years.png31.38 KB
Checked out Nix ressies vs Upper Hutt later in the afternoon.
Honestly, a game that seemed to sum up both teams seasons. As individuals, the Nix players were clearly of a higher technical level, but as a team, Upper Hutt were clearly better.
We arrived during first half with UHC already 1-0 up. Second half the Nix really tried to press on but had a lot of static possession and weren't creative enough in the right ways. Upper Hutt just looked so comfortable with the lead even as the Nix kept the ball. Upper Hutts keeper was hardly even threatened, their cohesion, work ethic and defensive position were all outstanding. Then as the game got later on we began to have an inkling Upper Hutt would score again... and so they did, Rio Winkworth finishing off a precise move. The Nix got a goal in added time but it was too little too late.
Massive plaudits to Upper Hutt on their season - the best of the rest and a top half finish. Take out the games against the top 4 and they're 8-0-2. In fact, alongside Napier, the only team to collect maximum points off the bottom four teams.
For the Nix - it looked a very young, inexperienced team, certainly wasn't their strongest reserves XI. Guess they've tried to blood the younger guys in the less intense Central League rather than in NLC, but it's still a rough run of form to end on. Dylan Gardiner and Ryan Lee were the best players for them.
Noah4thenix wrote: Was at Olympic during the 2nd half and the announcer said at the end of his announcements "If we had beaten Petone last week we would've lost [the title] by 1 goal." Which is certainly a funny way to cap off your Central League campaign
Supporters on the bank had been mentioning before/during the match "if only we had beaten Petone last week" so it was an information comment (maybe with a hint of subtext). FYI the last time prior to this season that Olympic drew both league matches with Miramar was in 2013 ... when they lost the league by 1 goal !
I give out info on the microphone - good (appearance or goal milestones) or bad (red card info, games without goals) - mostly for the Olympic fans as I only have stats for Olympic players and often the wind limits those who can hear what I am saying.
In the earlier reserves match today I pointed out at one stage that Olympic Reserves hadn't scored for 200 minutes (to the surprise of the handful of fans) ... and then Olympic scored within a minute !
EDIT - I had been told NCR had won 7-0 but it was only 6-0 so if Olympic had won last week at Petone they would have won the title on goals scored !
Oh that was you, I love what you do mate. I don't get to come by often since I'm studying across the country but I think it's cool how you do announcements at the games. No hate intended, just thought it was a funny thing to announce
- Western Suburbs (Depending on how the playoffs against Springs and Chch Utd go. If Wests go up then Palmerston North Marist are promoted) - Upper Hutt City - Island Bay United - Waterside Karori - Petone FC - FC Western - Taradale AFC - North Wellington - Tawa AFC - Palmerston North United
Looking at clubs coming up, the last time Dale were in CL1 was back in 1999, North Wellington in 2025, Tawa in 2015, and Palmerston North United for the very first time as a club since their amalgamation back in 2023. Going to be very interesting to see what the title fight looks like next year! If Wests fail to go up they'll be nailed on favourites, if not, we could have a new winner of the Central League that isn't Miramar, Olympic, Rovers or Wests, since the formation of this era of Central League. The last club to win the Central League outside of the big 4 was Island Bay United back in 1999.
- Western Suburbs (Depending on how the playoffs against Springs and Chch Utd go. If Wests go up then Palmerston North Marist are promoted) - Upper Hutt City - Island Bay United - Waterside Karori - Petone FC - FC Western - Taradale AFC - North Wellington - Tawa AFC - Palmerston North United
Looking at clubs coming up, the last time Dale were in CL1 was back in 1999, North Wellington in 2025, Tawa in 2015, and Palmerston North United for the very first time as a club since their amalgamation back in 2023. Going to be very interesting to see what the title fight looks like next year! If Wests fail to go up they'll be nailed on favourites, if not, we could have a new winner of the Central League that isn't Miramar, Olympic, Rovers or Wests, since the formation of this era of Central League. The last club to win the Central League outside of the big 4 was Island Bay United back in 1999.
Agree that Wests will be favourites if they don't go up, but also wonder if Miramar and Olympic might be shopping around up there a bit if that's the case.
Quite a few decent underrated players - Marlow-Jones really makes things happen, like that LB-LCB pairing of Tareq John Morgan and Alifeliti Peini, couple of handy Japanese players too.
National League qualifying playoffs Christchurch United v Western Suburbs - this Sunday 2pm in Christchurch Western Suburbs v Western Springs - next weekend, date and KO time TBD Western Springs v Christchurch united - the following weekend, date and KO time TBD
Not sure who this schedule favours - I think based on regional league performance Chch United are probably the weakest side so it's probably between Suburbs and Springs. Suburbs have the advantage of playing that fixture at home, but Springs have the advantage of playing at controlling their fate in the last game.
I don't see CU winning away in Auckland - so for me, Wests should be pretty sure if they win/draw in Christchurch and beat Western Springs. Draw that second game and they'd really be relying on chance imo (unless they absolutely hammer CU in Christchurch).
