I appreciate your commitment to the rage bait Hearty. Looking at the replies it seems to be working well. Keep up the good work.
Round 15
Saturday 1 August
12:30pm
Nomads vs. Nelson Suburbs - Tulett Park
2:00pm
Dunedin City Royals vs. Wanaka - Logan Park
3:00pm
Selwyn vs. Ferrymead Park - Foster Park
5:00pm
Christchurch United vs. Cashmere Technical - United Sports Centre
Sunday 2 August
Midday
Coastal Spirit vs. Northern - English Park
Saturday 1 August
12:30pm
Nomads vs. Nelson Suburbs - Tulett Park
2:00pm
Dunedin City Royals vs. Wanaka - Logan Park
3:00pm
Selwyn vs. Ferrymead Park - Foster Park
5:00pm
Christchurch United vs. Cashmere Technical - United Sports Centre
Sunday 2 August
Midday
Coastal Spirit vs. Northern - English Park
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Royals confirm that Blair will step down as head coach at the end of the season
"The club can confrim that Blair will step down from his role as men's first team head coach at the end of the 2026 season"
"We thank Blair for his contribution to the men's programme and acklnowlege his commitment during his time in the position"
"Blair will continue in his role as Academy Director, where he will remain an important part of out football club and player development pathway"
"The process to appoint a new men's first team coach is now underway"
"The club can confrim that Blair will step down from his role as men's first team head coach at the end of the 2026 season"
"We thank Blair for his contribution to the men's programme and acklnowlege his commitment during his time in the position"
"Blair will continue in his role as Academy Director, where he will remain an important part of out football club and player development pathway"
"The process to appoint a new men's first team coach is now underway"
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Noah4thenix wrote:
Royals confirm that Blair will step down as head coach at the end of the season
"The club can confrim that Blair will step down from his role as men's first team head coach at the end of the 2026 season"
"We thank Blair for his contribution to the men's programme and acklnowlege his commitment during his time in the position"
"Blair will continue in his role as Academy Director, where he will remain an important part of out football club and player development pathway"
"The process to appoint a new men's first team coach is now underway"
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Results / scorers:
Dunedin City Royals 2 (Cato Williams, Eden Brummitt) Wanaka 1 (Ethan Arratia) HT 2 - 0
Dunedin City Royals 2 (Cato Williams, Eden Brummitt) Wanaka 1 (Ethan Arratia) HT 2 - 0
Nomads 2 (Ethan Bingham, Cooper Goldsmith) Nelson Suburbs 1 (Noah Platt) HT 0 - 0
Selwyn 0 Ferrymead Bays 2 (Jackson Cole, Omar Cameron) HT 0 - 0
After 20 minutes Christchurch United 0 Cashmere Technical 2
After 20 minutes Christchurch United 0 Cashmere Technical 2
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Today's scorers:
Coastal Spirit 5 (Yusuf van Dam, Weston Bell, Jack Mitchell, AJ Wilson, own goal) Northern 0 HT 2 - 0
Coastal Spirit 5 (Yusuf van Dam, Weston Bell, Jack Mitchell, AJ Wilson, own goal) Northern 0 HT 2 - 0
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After latest round:
- Technical cannot finish lower than second, a point away from claiming title and ha spot in both the Summer National League (SNL) and the Winter National League in 2027 (WNL)
- Six points for Bays will lock in slot in the SNL - this will reduce if Coastal do not take maximum points from their final three games
- Coastal now looked to have locked in the second Southern League spot in the WNL
- Nomads still chase down third place, which would be there best ever finish in the league
- Christchurch United can now only reach a maximum of 25 points, which is likely to see them finish no higher than 6th, which would not be enough gain them an automatic spot in the WNL, instead having to chase the final spot via the three-way qualifying series in September
- Selwyn and Wanaka look set to battle it out for bottom place, they go head-to-head in Wanaka in the coming round
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4th game in a row with no goals from Northern which is concerning. Been weak on the road all season but that was pretty bad, it's really starting to slip. Next week is the Dunedin Derby again. Hope they bring the camera over from the turf since it's only like 100-200m away from the Caledonian. Must win game imo, can't afford to lose this both from a final placement perspective but mainly a competitiveness perspective
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Not done yet for Christchurch United due to the qualification using positions (not points), although it's a bit messy because you need outcomes where they finish directly behind Coastal.
Most likely is if Christchurch United win their last 3 matches (Nelson, Coastal & Northern) and Nelson don't (United, Ferrymead, Cashmere), then they just need Nomads (Ferrymead, Wanaka, Selwyn) to get one more point than Coastal (Cashmere, United, Wanaka).
This would put Coastal 4th, United 5th and Nelson 6th
If the other matches go as expected, it is still in Christchurch United's hands, although beating Coastal will definitely be a challenge (and neither Nelson nor Northern are easy wins).
Most likely is if Christchurch United win their last 3 matches (Nelson, Coastal & Northern) and Nelson don't (United, Ferrymead, Cashmere), then they just need Nomads (Ferrymead, Wanaka, Selwyn) to get one more point than Coastal (Cashmere, United, Wanaka).
This would put Coastal 4th, United 5th and Nelson 6th
If the other matches go as expected, it is still in Christchurch United's hands, although beating Coastal will definitely be a challenge (and neither Nelson nor Northern are easy wins).
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Southernix wrote:
Not done yet for Christchurch United due to the qualification using positions (not points), although it's a bit messy because you need outcomes where they finish directly behind Coastal.
Most likely is if Christchurch United win their last 3 matches (Nelson, Coastal & Northern) and Nelson don't (United, Ferrymead, Cashmere), then they just need Nomads (Ferrymead, Wanaka, Selwyn) to get one more point than Coastal (Cashmere, United, Wanaka).
This would put Coastal 4th, United 5th and Nelson 6th
If the other matches go as expected, it is still in Christchurch United's hands, although beating Coastal will definitely be a challenge (and neither Nelson nor Northern are easy wins).
Disagree that it is in United hands, as too many results that they cannot control, assuming United can reach 25 points, but we will have to wait and see. Certainly, puts added interest in the coming rounds, have a feeling that goal difference may have a say final placings for the top half of the table.
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What is the gossip about Christchurch United? I know the OFC was disruptive for them but thought they would have pushed hard for a strong finish.
Any insider news?
Any insider news?
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Tyler wrote:
What is the gossip about Christchurch United? I know the OFC was disruptive for them but thought they would have pushed hard for a strong finish.
Any insider news?
I've been wondering the same - is there any talk of Albert Reira losing his job at season's end?
I imagine he would be under a bit of pressure considering how consistent Chch Utd have been in previous seasons under both Ryan Edwards and Paul Ifill
I imagine he would be under a bit of pressure considering how consistent Chch Utd have been in previous seasons under both Ryan Edwards and Paul Ifill
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I think the bigger question is if they do get into the winter national league, how are they going to balance it with the OFC Pro League? Would they even be able to stay up considering the high level and number of players that would be absent early in the season?
With that in mind I wonder if it's not that important for them to get in. The OPL is still the big fish, that's for sure.
With that in mind I wonder if it's not that important for them to get in. The OPL is still the big fish, that's for sure.
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New players this weekend:
Coastal Spirit
Coastal Spirit
- AJ Wilson (Promoted from B team, managed a goal on debut)
Nomads
- Luca Molnar (Was at Christchurch Utd a while ago, promoted from B team)
Northern AFC
- Cormac de la Harpe, Ethan McBride-Aburn, Brayden Thorburn (all promoted from B team)
Selwyn
- Joshiah Early, Fletcher Moore (Promoted from B team)
Wanaka
- Orlando Arratia (Really had to dig for this one, he was playing in goal for Los Independientes in the independent Central Lakes 2nd Division earlier this season apparently)
If anyone knows more about any of these players please do feel free to jump in, I'm not well versed in South Island football.
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After watching Christchurch United for some years now and also watching them be decapitated in the first half on Saturday, here's my opinion on the game and the difference between the clubs.
- firstly cash tech will continue to remain dominant for some years. They have a consistent core of players year in year out. Also a consistent coaching staff.
- United have a great academy that hasn't been supported well by the imported coaches.
- year in and out United replace a large chunk of there squad, there is no core group of players that you build around.
-Since returning I believe the OFC players have been disappointing, they were shown the door in the first half.
-playing on turf now is no big advantage either. Teams turn up and cope without drama
-cashtech were also far more direct. Whether it was their tactics/style or uniteds poor midfield on first half I'm not sure, but when in possession they were always looking to attack quickly keeping united stretched. United maintained possession went nowhere and didn't create any overloads while cashtech regrouped their defensive shape under very little pressure.
Second half was different with a better midfield from united and more go forward.
Just an opinion and I hope they sort before playoffs.
- firstly cash tech will continue to remain dominant for some years. They have a consistent core of players year in year out. Also a consistent coaching staff.
- United have a great academy that hasn't been supported well by the imported coaches.
- year in and out United replace a large chunk of there squad, there is no core group of players that you build around.
-Since returning I believe the OFC players have been disappointing, they were shown the door in the first half.
-playing on turf now is no big advantage either. Teams turn up and cope without drama
-cashtech were also far more direct. Whether it was their tactics/style or uniteds poor midfield on first half I'm not sure, but when in possession they were always looking to attack quickly keeping united stretched. United maintained possession went nowhere and didn't create any overloads while cashtech regrouped their defensive shape under very little pressure.
Second half was different with a better midfield from united and more go forward.
Just an opinion and I hope they sort before playoffs.
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Half a Pint wrote:Tyler wrote:I've been wondering the same - is there any talk of Albert Reira losing his job at season's end?
What is the gossip about Christchurch United? I know the OFC was disruptive for them but thought they would have pushed hard for a strong finish.
Any insider news?
I imagine he would be under a bit of pressure considering how consistent Chch Utd have been in previous seasons under both Ryan Edwards and Paul Ifill
Wow you can see the future.
I let my guitar speak for me
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A bit of chatter around the league in the last two days that Christchurch United and Albert Riera have parted company.
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Round 16 Fixtures, with plenty of interest in all games.
Saturday 8 August
Amended 2:00pm
Wanaka (10th) vs. Selwyn (9th) - Recreation Ground - big game in the relegation battle, Wanaka lead the head-to-head stats, 2 wins to 1
2:45pm
Ferrymead Bays (2nd) vs. Nomads (4th) - Ferrymead Park - Bays chasing the win to close in on claiming second place, with Nomads needing all three points to for a top three finish - also a Hurley Shied Challenge (Canterbury based trophy)
5:00pm
Northern (6th) vs. Dunedin City Royals (8th) - the Dunedin Derby games, Royals out to complete the league 'double' over their rivals
Sunday 9 August
Midday
Nelson Suburbs (5th) vs. Christchurch United (7th) - Saxton Fields - Suburbs out to for a good dress rehearsal and claim their first 'home' win over United in the league before their Chatham Cup semi-final the following weekend. United need the win if they are to claim maximum points form their remaining three games to try in close in on Coastal Spirit for an automatic place in the 'new' Winter National League in 2027
2:00pm
Cashmere Technical (1st) vs. Coastal Spirit (3rd) - Garrick Memorial Park - Technical looking to wrap up the title in front of their fans at home (assuming Bays win against Nomads) before heading into their Chatham Cup semi-final next weekend, while Coastal are chashing a positive result against their neighbours and arch-rivals
Saturday 8 August
Amended 2:00pm
Wanaka (10th) vs. Selwyn (9th) - Recreation Ground - big game in the relegation battle, Wanaka lead the head-to-head stats, 2 wins to 1
2:45pm
Ferrymead Bays (2nd) vs. Nomads (4th) - Ferrymead Park - Bays chasing the win to close in on claiming second place, with Nomads needing all three points to for a top three finish - also a Hurley Shied Challenge (Canterbury based trophy)
5:00pm
Northern (6th) vs. Dunedin City Royals (8th) - the Dunedin Derby games, Royals out to complete the league 'double' over their rivals
Sunday 9 August
Midday
Nelson Suburbs (5th) vs. Christchurch United (7th) - Saxton Fields - Suburbs out to for a good dress rehearsal and claim their first 'home' win over United in the league before their Chatham Cup semi-final the following weekend. United need the win if they are to claim maximum points form their remaining three games to try in close in on Coastal Spirit for an automatic place in the 'new' Winter National League in 2027
2:00pm
Cashmere Technical (1st) vs. Coastal Spirit (3rd) - Garrick Memorial Park - Technical looking to wrap up the title in front of their fans at home (assuming Bays win against Nomads) before heading into their Chatham Cup semi-final next weekend, while Coastal are chashing a positive result against their neighbours and arch-rivals
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AllWhites82 wrote:
Round 16 Fixtures, with plenty of interest in all games.
Saturday 8 August
Midday
Wanaka (10th) vs. Selwyn (9th) - Recreation Ground - big game in the relegation battle, Wanaka lead the head-to-head stats, 2 wins to 1
2:45pm
Ferrymead Bays (2nd) vs. Nomads (4th) - Ferrymead Park - Bays chasing the win to close in on claiming second place, with Nomads needing all three points to for a top three finish - also a Hurley Shied Challenge (Canterbury based trophy)
5:00pm
Northern (6th) vs. Dunedin City Royals (8th) - the Dunedin Derby games, Royals out to complete the league 'double' over their rivals
Sunday 9 August
Midday
Nelson Suburbs (5th) vs. Christchurch United (7th) - Saxton Fields - Suburbs out to for a good dress rehearsal and claim their first 'home' win over United in the league before their Chatham Cup semi-final the following weekend. United need the win if they are to claim maximum points form their remaining three games to try in close in on Coastal Spirit for an automatic place in the 'new' Winter National League in 2027
2:00pm
Cashmere Technical (1st) vs. Coastal Spirit (3rd) - Garrick Memorial Park - Technical looking to wrap up the title in front of their fans at home (assuming Bays win against Nomads) before heading into their Chatham Cup semi-final next weekend, while Coastal are chashing a positive result against their neighbours and arch-rivals
Yes, some huge games this weekend!
Wanaka v Selwyn, massive but in grand scheme of things, with new NL I doubt there will be relegation. Yet TBC of course.
Ferrymead v Nomads. A win for Bays and a loss for Coastal would see Bays qualify for NL. Not sure many predicted that so fair play to them, extremely consistent this year overall. Can Nomads improve from Tuesday night where they barely fired a shot, albeit looked extremely tough conditions!
Nelson v United. Will United respond with the departure of Reira?? Who knows as there's clearly some issues, meaning Nelson at home must be chomping for the kill!
Tech v Coastal. Massive game for Coastal! They'll know what needs to happen after Saturday's games but given run in can't afford any losses!
Going to be a great weekend for the neutral
Wanaka v Selwyn, massive but in grand scheme of things, with new NL I doubt there will be relegation. Yet TBC of course.
Ferrymead v Nomads. A win for Bays and a loss for Coastal would see Bays qualify for NL. Not sure many predicted that so fair play to them, extremely consistent this year overall. Can Nomads improve from Tuesday night where they barely fired a shot, albeit looked extremely tough conditions!
Nelson v United. Will United respond with the departure of Reira?? Who knows as there's clearly some issues, meaning Nelson at home must be chomping for the kill!
Tech v Coastal. Massive game for Coastal! They'll know what needs to happen after Saturday's games but given run in can't afford any losses!
Going to be a great weekend for the neutral
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I know people from Christchurch probably aren't as interested but there's some growing excitement about the Dunedin derby down here. Blair in his post match speech after Selwyn was quoted "A call to arms. I want everyone at the Caledonian. We need to out-Northern Northern." Dunedin football is very small so this reached us same day basically lmao. I think this game is pretty much a make or break for both teams for our seasons. Can't really sugarcoat it, we've both done poorly and a loss here we both will most likely finish bottom 5, but a win here at least has glorly points + a chance to finish higher over the other.
Also for anyone curious this'll be the third time our first teams meet:
GAME 1 - Northern 0 - 2 Dunedin City Royals AET in Chatham Cup Rd4 in 2025
GAME 2 - Dunedin City Royals 1 - 0 Northern in SL this year
So Northern will be looking to get their first win on the board, as well as a first goal. Meanwhile Royals will be looking to maintain their perfect record over Northern and remain as the premier club of Dunedin.
Also for anyone curious this'll be the third time our first teams meet:
GAME 1 - Northern 0 - 2 Dunedin City Royals AET in Chatham Cup Rd4 in 2025
GAME 2 - Dunedin City Royals 1 - 0 Northern in SL this year
So Northern will be looking to get their first win on the board, as well as a first goal. Meanwhile Royals will be looking to maintain their perfect record over Northern and remain as the premier club of Dunedin.
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Noah4thenix wrote:
I know people from Christchurch probably aren't as interested but there's some growing excitement about the Dunedin derby down here. Blair in his post match speech after Selwyn was quoted "A call to arms. I want everyone at the Caledonian. We need to out-Northern Northern." Dunedin football is very small so this reached us same day basically lmao. I think this game is pretty much a make or break for both teams for our seasons. Can't really sugarcoat it, we've both done poorly and a loss here we both will most likely finish bottom 5, but a win here at least has glorly points + a chance to finish higher over the other.
Also for anyone curious this'll be the third time our first teams meet:
GAME 1 - Northern 0 - 2 Dunedin City Royals AET in Chatham Cup Rd4 in 2025
GAME 2 - Dunedin City Royals 1 - 0 Northern in SL this year
So Northern will be looking to get their first win on the board, as well as a first goal. Meanwhile Royals will be looking to maintain their perfect record over Northern and remain as the premier club of Dunedin.
Will be watching for score updates during game and report after game.
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Noah4thenix wrote:
I know people from Christchurch probably aren't as interested but there's some growing excitement about the Dunedin derby down here. Blair in his post match speech after Selwyn was quoted "A call to arms. I want everyone at the Caledonian. We need to out-Northern Northern." Dunedin football is very small so this reached us same day basically lmao. I think this game is pretty much a make or break for both teams for our seasons. Can't really sugarcoat it, we've both done poorly and a loss here we both will most likely finish bottom 5, but a win here at least has glorly points + a chance to finish higher over the other.
Also for anyone curious this'll be the third time our first teams meet:
GAME 1 - Northern 0 - 2 Dunedin City Royals AET in Chatham Cup Rd4 in 2025
GAME 2 - Dunedin City Royals 1 - 0 Northern in SL this year
So Northern will be looking to get their first win on the board, as well as a first goal. Meanwhile Royals will be looking to maintain their perfect record over Northern and remain as the premier club of Dunedin.
5th meeting, played twice in the 2021 SPL when Northern were bad and Royals earned their Southern League spot. Back then Royals were "South City Royals" having just been formed through the merger of Caversham & Dunedin Technical (plus a couple youth sides)
First match was Northern's home match out at Forrester Park, which Royals won 2-0
Second match, Royals were at home at the Caledonian and won 12-0.
First match was Northern's home match out at Forrester Park, which Royals won 2-0
Second match, Royals were at home at the Caledonian and won 12-0.
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Southernix wrote:Noah4thenix wrote:5th meeting, played twice in the 2021 SPL when Northern were bad and Royals earned their Southern League spot. Back then Royals were "South City Royals" having just been formed through the merger of Caversham & Dunedin Technical (plus a couple youth sides)
I know people from Christchurch probably aren't as interested but there's some growing excitement about the Dunedin derby down here. Blair in his post match speech after Selwyn was quoted "A call to arms. I want everyone at the Caledonian. We need to out-Northern Northern." Dunedin football is very small so this reached us same day basically lmao. I think this game is pretty much a make or break for both teams for our seasons. Can't really sugarcoat it, we've both done poorly and a loss here we both will most likely finish bottom 5, but a win here at least has glorly points + a chance to finish higher over the other.
Also for anyone curious this'll be the third time our first teams meet:
GAME 1 - Northern 0 - 2 Dunedin City Royals AET in Chatham Cup Rd4 in 2025
GAME 2 - Dunedin City Royals 1 - 0 Northern in SL this year
So Northern will be looking to get their first win on the board, as well as a first goal. Meanwhile Royals will be looking to maintain their perfect record over Northern and remain as the premier club of Dunedin.
First match was Northern's home match out at Forrester Park, which Royals won 2-0
Second match, Royals were at home at the Caledonian and won 12-0.
Oh yeah thanks, I just saw that they were in the SL in 2021 and assumed that was their reserve side in the SPL. That means Northern has even more reason to win here given the record!
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Noah4thenix wrote:
I know people from Christchurch probably aren't as interested but there's some growing excitement about the Dunedin derby down here. Blair in his post match speech after Selwyn was quoted "A call to arms. I want everyone at the Caledonian. We need to out-Northern Northern." Dunedin football is very small so this reached us same day basically lmao. I think this game is pretty much a make or break for both teams for our seasons. Can't really sugarcoat it, we've both done poorly and a loss here we both will most likely finish bottom 5, but a win here at least has glorly points + a chance to finish higher over the other.
Also for anyone curious this'll be the third time our first teams meet:
GAME 1 - Northern 0 - 2 Dunedin City Royals AET in Chatham Cup Rd4 in 2025
GAME 2 - Dunedin City Royals 1 - 0 Northern in SL this year
So Northern will be looking to get their first win on the board, as well as a first goal. Meanwhile Royals will be looking to maintain their perfect record over Northern and remain as the premier club of Dunedin.
Yes, with a 5pm kick-off should mean a good crowd.
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Full-time: Ferrymead Bays 1 Nomads 2
Nomads lift Hurley Shield
Cashmere Technical now claim title
Nomads lift Hurley Shield
Cashmere Technical now claim title
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AllWhites82 wrote:
Full-time: Ferrymead Bays 1 Nomads 2
Nomads lift Hurley Shield
Cashmere Technical now claim title
What went on after full time??
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