This league keeps on giving. 5-0 to Tawa, 6-1 to Seatoun and 4-0 to PNM.
7 points between 1st and 7th. Bring on next week!
7 points between 1st and 7th. Bring on next week!
Just for Shits and giggles i thought I'd try and predict the final league standings. I've seen most teams in the league play, but this league is so crazy this might be a disaster.
1.Taradale. look strong and have a lead
2.North Welly. Predicting a strong finish
3. PN Marist. Undefeated in 6.
4.Tawa. Could be a dark horse
5.PNU. Big form dip sadly
6. LowerHutt. Inconsistent
7.Seatoun. OK team. Mid table
8. Douglas Villa. Can be very good or very bad
9. Stop Out. Probably should be better
10. Wainui. Thought they were ok when i saw them, but someone has to be bottom.
1.Taradale. look strong and have a lead
2.North Welly. Predicting a strong finish
3. PN Marist. Undefeated in 6.
4.Tawa. Could be a dark horse
5.PNU. Big form dip sadly
6. LowerHutt. Inconsistent
7.Seatoun. OK team. Mid table
8. Douglas Villa. Can be very good or very bad
9. Stop Out. Probably should be better
10. Wainui. Thought they were ok when i saw them, but someone has to be bottom.
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spottswood wrote:
Just for Shits and giggles i thought I'd try and predict the final league standings. I've seen most teams in the league play, but this league is so crazy this might be a disaster.
1.Taradale. look strong and have a lead
2.North Welly. Predicting a strong finish
3. PN Marist. Undefeated in 6.
4.Tawa. Could be a dark horse
5.PNU. Big form dip sadly
6. LowerHutt. Inconsistent
7.Seatoun. OK team. Mid table
8. Douglas Villa. Can be very good or very bad
9. Stop Out. Probably should be better
10. Wainui. Thought they were ok when i saw them, but someone has to be bottom.
I’ve also seen all the teams play this season (except Lower Hutt). I don’t think you’re too far off. My predictions (also proven to be very wrong at times):
1. Taradale - they have 5/8 home games left, that alone will help with getting maximum points.
2. North Wellington - I hate to say it and I hate that $$ can buy titles, but I think they have turned a corner
3. Tawa - Not consistent enough to challenge for the title, but some extremely good attacking players - weak at the back will cost them in the big games.
4. PNU - Dip in form, but they will keep picking up results with the squad they have.
5. Seatoun - Big few games coming up for Seatoun. Wins at home against Tawa and PNM could have them higher than 5th, losses however and they could be towards the bottom. Turned a corner with their cup run it seems and some new signings.
6. PNM - In a weird schedule, PNM fins strong with 4 home games in a row. I think the next few weeks will put them back in the pack however.
7. Lower Hutt - As you said, such an up and down team. Not sure they have the depth to string a run of form together.
8. Douglas Villa - could finish higher, could also finish last….
9. Wainui - Surprised to see the result in the weekend, normally very good at home in front of their loyal and boisterous crowd.
10. Stop Out - have seen them play a couple of times this season. The 0-7 against Tawa and the 1-6 against Seatoun….. they looked like a Cap 1 side. Lucky there is no relegation this year.
Realistically any of the top 7 teams could sneak into the top 4 promotion spots. Cant wait to see how it all plays out.
1. Taradale - they have 5/8 home games left, that alone will help with getting maximum points.
2. North Wellington - I hate to say it and I hate that $$ can buy titles, but I think they have turned a corner
3. Tawa - Not consistent enough to challenge for the title, but some extremely good attacking players - weak at the back will cost them in the big games.
4. PNU - Dip in form, but they will keep picking up results with the squad they have.
5. Seatoun - Big few games coming up for Seatoun. Wins at home against Tawa and PNM could have them higher than 5th, losses however and they could be towards the bottom. Turned a corner with their cup run it seems and some new signings.
6. PNM - In a weird schedule, PNM fins strong with 4 home games in a row. I think the next few weeks will put them back in the pack however.
7. Lower Hutt - As you said, such an up and down team. Not sure they have the depth to string a run of form together.
8. Douglas Villa - could finish higher, could also finish last….
9. Wainui - Surprised to see the result in the weekend, normally very good at home in front of their loyal and boisterous crowd.
10. Stop Out - have seen them play a couple of times this season. The 0-7 against Tawa and the 1-6 against Seatoun….. they looked like a Cap 1 side. Lucky there is no relegation this year.
Realistically any of the top 7 teams could sneak into the top 4 promotion spots. Cant wait to see how it all plays out.
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Sorry the lack of relegation in CL and CL2 has kinda made it less interesting. Do reserve teams play CL2 next season because SO could be in a lot of trouble if LHC are playing CL minimum.
SO drop off is quite insane.
SO drop off is quite insane.
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observerfromuh wrote:
Sorry the lack of relegation in CL and CL2 has kinda made it less interesting. Do reserve teams play CL2 next season because SO could be in a lot of trouble if LHC are playing CL minimum.
SO drop off is quite insane.
Does anyone have insight into the underlying reasons why Stop Out have fallen from a top 4 Central League team?
I note the large player and coaching exodus from last season - although a number those players were very well compensated. Have they simply stopped paying players as much?
Someone in the Chatham Cup feed made mention of the negative impact the previous club chairman had also.
Very keen to hear if anyone has some more insight.
I note the large player and coaching exodus from last season - although a number those players were very well compensated. Have they simply stopped paying players as much?
Someone in the Chatham Cup feed made mention of the negative impact the previous club chairman had also.
Very keen to hear if anyone has some more insight.
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Endorsed by
Stop Out did well for some seasons up until the end of season National League commenced. The Clubs that qualified then enticed players away with the promise of playing in the higher League.
Next year with the new National League those clubs who miss out can expect their better player to be enticed away.
In addition, Stop Out had a President who was loud mouthed and unpopular. He resigned at a Special AGM at the beginning of season so they will be rebuilding.
Next year with the new National League those clubs who miss out can expect their better player to be enticed away.
In addition, Stop Out had a President who was loud mouthed and unpopular. He resigned at a Special AGM at the beginning of season so they will be rebuilding.
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That time of the week where we try and pick which team will front up in the crazy league. Interesting fixtures, where largely the top half of the table play the bottom half (a few exceptions). Weather also likely to play a part!
Seatoun v Tawa
A 96th minute equaliser by Tawa meant these teams could not be separated in the first round. A lot has happened since then, most recently both sides having commanding wins last week. Another fun fact, Tawa is another team that Seatoun has not beaten this decade. I’m picking another thriller on the south coast - DRAW
Lower Hutt v Douglas Villa
Another game that ended in a draw in first round, both teams are fighting to stay relevant in this league. A win to LH and they remain firmly in contention for promotion and a loss to DV could possibly end their hopes. I’m picking a LH WIN
North Wellington v Palmerston North United
The current form team up against the early season form team. Probably the game of the round as PNU look to keep up with Taradale while NW hoping to catch up with the top 4. I think this game will be an exciting DRAW
Taradale v Stop Out
A long away trip for Stop Out after shipping 6 to Seatoun. This one could be another blow out, but I think Stop Out are better than that and will rally after last week. Taradale WIN
Palmerston North Marist v Wainuiomata
Another team having to travel after a heavy defeat….. PNM WIN
My picks will result in the following table
Taradale 23| PNU 20| PNM 20| Tawa 19| LH 16| NW 14| Seatoun 14| Stop Out 10| DV 9| Wainui 8
Seatoun v Tawa
A 96th minute equaliser by Tawa meant these teams could not be separated in the first round. A lot has happened since then, most recently both sides having commanding wins last week. Another fun fact, Tawa is another team that Seatoun has not beaten this decade. I’m picking another thriller on the south coast - DRAW
Lower Hutt v Douglas Villa
Another game that ended in a draw in first round, both teams are fighting to stay relevant in this league. A win to LH and they remain firmly in contention for promotion and a loss to DV could possibly end their hopes. I’m picking a LH WIN
North Wellington v Palmerston North United
The current form team up against the early season form team. Probably the game of the round as PNU look to keep up with Taradale while NW hoping to catch up with the top 4. I think this game will be an exciting DRAW
Taradale v Stop Out
A long away trip for Stop Out after shipping 6 to Seatoun. This one could be another blow out, but I think Stop Out are better than that and will rally after last week. Taradale WIN
Palmerston North Marist v Wainuiomata
Another team having to travel after a heavy defeat….. PNM WIN
My picks will result in the following table
Taradale 23| PNU 20| PNM 20| Tawa 19| LH 16| NW 14| Seatoun 14| Stop Out 10| DV 9| Wainui 8
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Endorsed by
Will it be 3-4 teams going up? Since teams from the central league currently will join full season national league?
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LT01 wrote:
Will it be 3-4 teams going up? Since teams from the central league currently will join full season national league?
Top 4 guaranteed promotion. The 5th placed team could also go up if the Central side (probably Wests) win the playoff against Northern and Southern sides for the last spot in the NL.
So there is plenty to play for!
So there is plenty to play for!
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Endorsed by
Palmy on a stinker run. Haven’t won in 4 games. Anyone know what the gossip?
Maybe NW have turned the corner
Maybe NW have turned the corner
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spottswood wrote:Tyler wrote:PNU are missing a few players. So much so the coach has had to play the last few games.
Palmy on a stinker run. Haven’t won in 4 games. Anyone know what the gossip?
Maybe NW have turned the corner
Taradale also haven't won in 3 games (last win was the 3-1 home win against PNU). Somehow still top of the table.
Palmy North Marist now sitting second, a point ahead of United. Only three points between 1st and 4th, and the fourth placed team, Tawa, has a game in hand on the rest.
League is shaping up into a top 4 (Dale, PNU, PNM, Tawa), middle 3 (North W, LHC, Seatoun) and bottom 3 (SO, DV, Wainui). Although, any team can push their way up with a 2-3 week stretch of good form.
Ultimately, finishing top 4 is what matters so will be interesting to see who pushes their way in and who risks dropping out.
Also, has anyone heard what promotion to CL2 looks like yet?
Palmy North Marist now sitting second, a point ahead of United. Only three points between 1st and 4th, and the fourth placed team, Tawa, has a game in hand on the rest.
League is shaping up into a top 4 (Dale, PNU, PNM, Tawa), middle 3 (North W, LHC, Seatoun) and bottom 3 (SO, DV, Wainui). Although, any team can push their way up with a 2-3 week stretch of good form.
Ultimately, finishing top 4 is what matters so will be interesting to see who pushes their way in and who risks dropping out.
Also, has anyone heard what promotion to CL2 looks like yet?
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bigfudge wrote:spottswood wrote:Taradale also haven't won in 3 games (last win was the 3-1 home win against PNU). Somehow still top of the table.Tyler wrote:PNU are missing a few players. So much so the coach has had to play the last few games.
Palmy on a stinker run. Haven’t won in 4 games. Anyone know what the gossip?
Maybe NW have turned the corner
Palmy North Marist now sitting second, a point ahead of United. Only three points between 1st and 4th, and the fourth placed team, Tawa, has a game in hand on the rest.
League is shaping up into a top 4 (Dale, PNU, PNM, Tawa), middle 3 (North W, LHC, Seatoun) and bottom 3 (SO, DV, Wainui). Although, any team can push their way up with a 2-3 week stretch of good form.
Ultimately, finishing top 4 is what matters so will be interesting to see who pushes their way in and who risks dropping out.
Also, has anyone heard what promotion to CL2 looks like yet?
It could be top five yet!
At the moment there is consultation between clubs for the make up of CL2 next season. It appears to be a discussion between reserves teams being allowed in or not.
If I had to guess, I would say National League reserves sides will be allowed in. Therefore the makeup of the league would be the bottom 6 (maybe 5) CL2 teams, the top 2 from Cap Prem (currently Olympic and Phoenix thirds) then some sort of playoff between the winner of the East, West and 3rd in Cap Prem (currently Greytown), where two will go up.
Either way, decisions need to be made fast.
At the moment there is consultation between clubs for the make up of CL2 next season. It appears to be a discussion between reserves teams being allowed in or not.
If I had to guess, I would say National League reserves sides will be allowed in. Therefore the makeup of the league would be the bottom 6 (maybe 5) CL2 teams, the top 2 from Cap Prem (currently Olympic and Phoenix thirds) then some sort of playoff between the winner of the East, West and 3rd in Cap Prem (currently Greytown), where two will go up.
Either way, decisions need to be made fast.
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Endorsed by
Bigboot wrote:
It could be top five yet!
At the moment there is consultation between clubs for the make up of CL2 next season. It appears to be a discussion between reserves teams being allowed in or not.
If I had to guess, I would say National League reserves sides will be allowed in. Therefore the makeup of the league would be the bottom 6 (maybe 5) CL2 teams, the top 2 from Cap Prem (currently Olympic and Phoenix thirds) then some sort of playoff between the winner of the East, West and 3rd in Cap Prem (currently Greytown), where two will go up.
Either way, decisions need to be made fast.
I am not personally convinced if 3 Central Teams go up that CL2 will exist - i think if/when the Gisborne teams are promoted, the Capital based sides will back away from the comp quickly and we'll end up with a fed league/Cap prem second tier, due to the ginormous travel and costs.
(7 hours driving between Gisborne and Welly). Limited daily flights, and its 3 hours via Auckland by flying.
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zonknz wrote:Bigboot wrote:
It could be top five yet!
At the moment there is consultation between clubs for the make up of CL2 next season. It appears to be a discussion between reserves teams being allowed in or not.
If I had to guess, I would say National League reserves sides will be allowed in. Therefore the makeup of the league would be the bottom 6 (maybe 5) CL2 teams, the top 2 from Cap Prem (currently Olympic and Phoenix thirds) then some sort of playoff between the winner of the East, West and 3rd in Cap Prem (currently Greytown), where two will go up.
Either way, decisions need to be made fast.
I am not personally convinced if 3 Central Teams go up that CL2 will exist - i think if/when the Gisborne teams are promoted, the Capital based sides will back away from the comp quickly and we'll end up with a fed league/Cap prem second tier, due to the ginormous travel and costs.
(7 hours driving between Gisborne and Welly). Limited daily flights, and its 3 hours via Auckland by flying.
I'd say a return to Fed League is extremely unlikely. The only reason the number of clubs in the league increased in 2024 was because of the chance at CL2 promotion. The year before there was 5 teams. I think the return to East and West Prems makes the most sense out of all of this. The only downside is that the quality of the teams your are facing is declining compared to the quality of the clubs in fed league, which was one one of the main issues plaguing the league. East and West Prems solves one issue (being the travel involved with driving cross country for some games), but lessens the quality of matches for teams.
An example would be Whanganui slipping up at the last second last year. Dominated the West, arguably had a far better side than Wainuiomata (no offence to Wainui but this Athletic side was bringing players in from overseas for the sake of playing Prems football), and lost the final game. You could argue this would be down to the level of games they were playing in preparation for this playoff.
If CL2 does go under, it will basically hamstring the Central region forever. There's no way you would have teams like Taradale, and both Palmy teams challenging for CL without it (even if there wasn't 4/5 promotion spots available)
An example would be Whanganui slipping up at the last second last year. Dominated the West, arguably had a far better side than Wainuiomata (no offence to Wainui but this Athletic side was bringing players in from overseas for the sake of playing Prems football), and lost the final game. You could argue this would be down to the level of games they were playing in preparation for this playoff.
If CL2 does go under, it will basically hamstring the Central region forever. There's no way you would have teams like Taradale, and both Palmy teams challenging for CL without it (even if there wasn't 4/5 promotion spots available)
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bigfudge wrote:zonknz wrote:I'd say a return to Fed League is extremely unlikely. The only reason the number of clubs in the league increased in 2024 was because of the chance at CL2 promotion. The year before there was 5 teams. I think the return to East and West Prems makes the most sense out of all of this. The only downside is that the quality of the teams your are facing is declining compared to the quality of the clubs in fed league, which was one one of the main issues plaguing the league. East and West Prems solves one issue (being the travel involved with driving cross country for some games), but lessens the quality of matches for teams.Bigboot wrote:
It could be top five yet!
At the moment there is consultation between clubs for the make up of CL2 next season. It appears to be a discussion between reserves teams being allowed in or not.
If I had to guess, I would say National League reserves sides will be allowed in. Therefore the makeup of the league would be the bottom 6 (maybe 5) CL2 teams, the top 2 from Cap Prem (currently Olympic and Phoenix thirds) then some sort of playoff between the winner of the East, West and 3rd in Cap Prem (currently Greytown), where two will go up.
Either way, decisions need to be made fast.
I am not personally convinced if 3 Central Teams go up that CL2 will exist - i think if/when the Gisborne teams are promoted, the Capital based sides will back away from the comp quickly and we'll end up with a fed league/Cap prem second tier, due to the ginormous travel and costs.
(7 hours driving between Gisborne and Welly). Limited daily flights, and its 3 hours via Auckland by flying.
An example would be Whanganui slipping up at the last second last year. Dominated the West, arguably had a far better side than Wainuiomata (no offence to Wainui but this Athletic side was bringing players in from overseas for the sake of playing Prems football), and lost the final game. You could argue this would be down to the level of games they were playing in preparation for this playoff.
If CL2 does go under, it will basically hamstring the Central region forever. There's no way you would have teams like Taradale, and both Palmy teams challenging for CL without it (even if there wasn't 4/5 promotion spots available)
I agree with both perspectives - quality of competition vs cost. This is not new and the other two regions face the same - Taupo to Northland or Nelson to Invercargill (or Wānaka).
I think the feedback provided by all current CL2 teams will put football at the forefront and the correct decision will be made.
I think the feedback provided by all current CL2 teams will put football at the forefront and the correct decision will be made.
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bigfudge wrote:zonknz wrote:I'd say a return to Fed League is extremely unlikely. The only reason the number of clubs in the league increased in 2024 was because of the chance at CL2 promotion. The year before there was 5 teams. I think the return to East and West Prems makes the most sense out of all of this. The only downside is that the quality of the teams your are facing is declining compared to the quality of the clubs in fed league, which was one one of the main issues plaguing the league. East and West Prems solves one issue (being the travel involved with driving cross country for some games), but lessens the quality of matches for teams.Bigboot wrote:
It could be top five yet!
At the moment there is consultation between clubs for the make up of CL2 next season. It appears to be a discussion between reserves teams being allowed in or not.
If I had to guess, I would say National League reserves sides will be allowed in. Therefore the makeup of the league would be the bottom 6 (maybe 5) CL2 teams, the top 2 from Cap Prem (currently Olympic and Phoenix thirds) then some sort of playoff between the winner of the East, West and 3rd in Cap Prem (currently Greytown), where two will go up.
Either way, decisions need to be made fast.
I am not personally convinced if 3 Central Teams go up that CL2 will exist - i think if/when the Gisborne teams are promoted, the Capital based sides will back away from the comp quickly and we'll end up with a fed league/Cap prem second tier, due to the ginormous travel and costs.
(7 hours driving between Gisborne and Welly). Limited daily flights, and its 3 hours via Auckland by flying.
An example would be Whanganui slipping up at the last second last year. Dominated the West, arguably had a far better side than Wainuiomata (no offence to Wainui but this Athletic side was bringing players in from overseas for the sake of playing Prems football), and lost the final game. You could argue this would be down to the level of games they were playing in preparation for this playoff.
If CL2 does go under, it will basically hamstring the Central region forever. There's no way you would have teams like Taradale, and both Palmy teams challenging for CL without it (even if there wasn't 4/5 promotion spots available)
I believe Whanganui lost the final playoffs to Wainui due to two factors. Firstly when Whanganui won their home playoff game they celebrated as if they had already won promotion when in fact they had won nothing.
Secondly they were not prepared for Wainui's unique supporters who turned up in force. Once Wainui had the momentum from the first goal it was all over for Whanganui as they crumbled.
Secondly they were not prepared for Wainui's unique supporters who turned up in force. Once Wainui had the momentum from the first goal it was all over for Whanganui as they crumbled.
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