Central League 2026

I appreciated your digging. great stats no one else had dug up. on ya. enjoy the big game on the weekend. 

Apologies. This wasn't meant to be my first post - I had seen the comments on the short-lived Apollon club last week and had set up an account to give some info re Evening Post articles that I had from Barry Smith about the 1954 incident but got sidetracked when I saw your comment about no 0-0 draws.

While the numbers didn't match what I had, the gist of your point is correct in that Miramar still are well on top in the overall stats. Given the current rivalry it is odd to think that in the first 34 seasons of Olympic's existence (1959-1992) they only played 3 matches against Miramar (they had played the Miramar Reserves side a dozen times over that time). Until 1993 the teams were only in the same league once, both in Central One in 1978 ... but Olympic (still known as CYFC) were relegated that season and Miramar were in National League by the time Olympic were promoted back to Central One .

I have now posted in the new thread what I meant to in the first place re Apollon and my suggestions for where to look for old info.

Predictions for this weekends games:

Western Suburbs vs Napier City Rovers
The first of two huge games in CL this weekend. Suburbs coming off the back of a gritty win in the cup, Rovers blowing past IBU and then Wharfies in three days. Wests have been very good at home (aside from the Olympic game which they arguably should have won) while Rovers looked very good in their one loss away from home to Rangers. I'm picking Rovers to win this one but it'll be a close game whichever way it goes.

Waterside Karori vs Island Bay United
Wharfies struggling this season, one of the sides that are lucky there's no relegation. Tough loss on Monday away to Rovers but they have struggled all season. Island Bay doing well this year in 5th behind the big 4, and coming off a good win over Nix ressies in Chatham Cup. Leaning towards Island Bay getting the win here.

Upper Hutt City vs Petone
Both teams' form has been up and down, Petone getting a win against Greytown, while Upper Hutt struggled away to Seatoun and lost out on pens in the cupset of the round. Picking Petone to get the win and kick start a bit of form for them.

Wellington Olympic vs Miramar Rangers
The second huge clash this weekend, the sides met only a week ago in the cup with Rangers sneaking the win. Olympic will come out firing in an attempt to win back some pride but I think this one will end in a draw.

FC Western vs Wellington Phoenix
FC Western still looking for their first points of the campaign. They've only scored 4 goals this year so far as well. Weenix to get the win but could be a bit closer as Western continue to adjust to the level of the league.

Cracking game out at endeavour park so far! NCR 2-1 up at the break, nice volley from Schofield put them ahead just before HT. Really nice goal earlier from Marlow-Jones for Wests, fearless running at the defence and turning every which way.

It's a close game - Napier look stronger physically but Wests showing good movement and unpredictability on transition.

3-3 it ends - crazy second half. Not really a result that helps either a team but an enthralling game! Napier looked in control, made it 3-1 from a set piece, then lost the ascendancy completely as Wests roared by the home crowd scored two in quick succession!

Pandemonium for the remaining 20ish mins of the game - tackles flying everywhere, yellow cards, Napier hit the post, Wests had a disallowed goal, ended what was probably a deserved draw.

Top spot up for grabs later at Wakefield...

And another draw... this league could really go down to the wire! Olympic, Napier, Miramar all level on points, Wests a couple behind as they're the only team to drop points against the bottom six.

If form keeps up against the bottom six teams this could be so tight!

Worth noting btw - Wests are finished with home games against the top 4 and still have to do Miramar and Olympic away and... Napier are finished with away games and still get to host those two!