Central League 2

436 replies · 39,868 views
about 1 month ago
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!
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Endorsed by
bidairyflatLT01Noah4thenix+2
about 1 month ago
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.
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about 1 month ago
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. 
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about 1 month ago
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.
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about 1 month ago
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. 
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Endorsed by
dairyflatob
about 1 month ago
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. 
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Endorsed by
BidairyflatNoah4thenixob
about 1 month ago
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
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Endorsed by
biTyler
30 days ago
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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29 days ago
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! 
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Endorsed by
Noah4thenix
28 days ago
Palmy on a stinker run. Haven’t won in 4 games. Anyone know what the gossip?

Maybe NW have turned the corner
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28 days ago
Tyler wrote:
Palmy on a stinker run. Haven’t won in 4 games. Anyone know what the gossip?

Maybe NW have turned the corner
PNU are missing a few players. So much so the coach has had to play the last few games.
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Endorsed by
ShamblesTyler
26 days ago
spottswood wrote:
 Tyler wrote:
Palmy on a stinker run. Haven’t won in 4 games. Anyone know what the gossip?

Maybe NW have turned the corner
PNU are missing a few players. So much so the coach has had to play the last few games.
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?
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26 days ago
bigfudge wrote:
 spottswood wrote:
 Tyler wrote:
Palmy on a stinker run. Haven’t won in 4 games. Anyone know what the gossip?

Maybe NW have turned the corner
PNU are missing a few players. So much so the coach has had to play the last few games.
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?
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. 
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Endorsed by
bi
26 days ago · edited 26 days ago · History
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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26 days ago
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)
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26 days ago
bigfudge wrote:
 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)
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. 
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25 days ago
bigfudge wrote:
 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)
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.
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18 days ago
On we go to Round 12 of this wonderful league. Weather again could play its part, but hopefully no more postponements! Every game has some sort of significance to the final make up on the top 4.

Douglas Villa v Wainuiomata
Lose or draw and your hopes of CL football next year is probably over. A thrilling 5-4 win to Wainui in the first game, marred by another Josh McMenamin red card. This time over the hill in Masterton, could yet be transferred to the turf. DV for the win at home

Seatoun v Palmerston North Marist
A very interesting return fixture. A 10 man Seatoun held on for a 1-0 win away. PNM are on a tear at present, the last league loss was back in April, one week after the loss to Seatoun. I am picking a tough battle at Seatoun Park, probably with a bit late drama. Im predicting a WIN to Seatoun to keep them in touch with the top half of the table.

Palmerston North United v Stop Out
Before last weekend, I’d be picking a PNU massacre, but Stop Out appear to have some fight in them yet. Last time these two met there were plenty of goals and a couple of red cards. I’m picking PNU WIN back at home

North Wellington v Lower Hutt
Another 6 point game for the winner of this one. NE has found form, but LH has a back of taking points when you least expect it. I’m picking a DRAW

Taradale v Tawa
Game of the round. A win for Tawa will take them ahead of Taradale with a game in hand. Taradale having a hiccup against Stop Out, I wonder whether the extra week off was good or bad timing for them. I’m picking goals and drama and a Tawa WIN. 

These games are getting more tough to pick. Love someone else’s perspective!


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Endorsed by
bi
18 days ago
Bigboot wrote:
On we go to Round 12 of this wonderful league. Weather again could play its part, but hopefully no more postponements! Every game has some sort of significance to the final make up on the top 4.

Douglas Villa v Wainuiomata
Lose or draw and your hopes of CL football next year is probably over. A thrilling 5-4 win to Wainui in the first game, marred by another Josh McMenamin red card. This time over the hill in Masterton, could yet be transferred to the turf. DV for the win at home

Seatoun v Palmerston North Marist
A very interesting return fixture. A 10 man Seatoun held on for a 1-0 win away. PNM are on a tear at present, the last league loss was back in April, one week after the loss to Seatoun. I am picking a tough battle at Seatoun Park, probably with a bit late drama. Im predicting a WIN to Seatoun to keep them in touch with the top half of the table.

Palmerston North United v Stop Out
Before last weekend, I’d be picking a PNU massacre, but Stop Out appear to have some fight in them yet. Last time these two met there were plenty of goals and a couple of red cards. I’m picking PNU WIN back at home

North Wellington v Lower Hutt
Another 6 point game for the winner of this one. NE has found form, but LH has a back of taking points when you least expect it. I’m picking a DRAW

Taradale v Tawa
Game of the round. A win for Tawa will take them ahead of Taradale with a game in hand. Taradale having a hiccup against Stop Out, I wonder whether the extra week off was good or bad timing for them. I’m picking goals and drama and a Tawa WIN. 

These games are getting more tough to pick. Love someone else’s perspective!


 
I'd say as long as DV don't go down to 10 you'd be expecting them to get the win here. I wonder how many of these teams you could say McMenamin has gotten red cards against. Agree with DV win.

Seatoun park will only favor one team. I was surprised by the first round result but with Palmy becoming the form team in the comp I normally would have predicted them to win. I think the Toun will make the most of their home advantage and capitalise on some poor conditions to cause another upset.

I expect Palmy to get back to winning aways here as well, agree that it could be close as SO have proven themselves capable of sneaking points here and there, but they've struggled since their early tick up in form.

Both NW and LH sit just two points behind the top 4, albeit Tawa ahead of them have a game in hand, and so any dropped points will feel like a loss to both teams. LH have 8 points in their last 5 games where as NW have 10 points. I think NW will continue their good form in this one and win.

If they don't win this one it could be turning into more than a hiccup for Taradale. No wins in their last three but to their credit they remain top. Tawa haven't played a game since June 20 so the trip North could be difficult for this team. I'm picking a draw in this one and hopefully lots of goals and excitement like you say!
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Endorsed by
Bi
17 days ago
Fun and games have already begun! With the council closed tomorrow for Matariki holiday, they have taken a sledge hammer to the Wellington draws - closing fields 48 hours out from kick off. 

DV v Wainui has been postponed 
Seatoun v PNM moved to Miramar Park (probably worse than Seatoun Park but still open). 

I guess there is a lack of turfs for these two games with all the ground closures. 
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Endorsed by
dairyflat
11 days ago
Isn't specifically CL2 related but does anyone know if Wairarapa United will ever try to develop a senior mens programme again? They're doing great work on the women's side as they seem competitive in Cap Prem, and it looks as though they've got a good partnership going on with the other Wairarapa teams for this new youth setup.

Seems like a bit of a shame considering they used to be the perennial next best team in CL outside of Miramar, Olympic, Rovers and Wests. Lots of good players came through that youth setup as well. Some of the notable players include Scott Morris, Noah Boyce, Jonty Roubos, Duddley, Grover, who have all done well at the National League level.
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11 days ago
bigfudge wrote:
Isn't specifically CL2 related but does anyone know if Wairarapa United will ever try to develop a senior mens programme again? They're doing great work on the women's side as they seem competitive in Cap Prem, and it looks as though they've got a good partnership going on with the other Wairarapa teams for this new youth setup.

Seems like a bit of a shame considering they used to be the perennial next best team in CL outside of Miramar, Olympic, Rovers and Wests. Lots of good players came through that youth setup as well. Some of the notable players include Scott Morris, Noah Boyce, Jonty Roubos, Duddley, Grover, who have all done well at the National League level.
No Keinzley. No party 

Founder

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Endorsed by
ol'sole
11 days ago
Feverish wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
Isn't specifically CL2 related but does anyone know if Wairarapa United will ever try to develop a senior mens programme again? They're doing great work on the women's side as they seem competitive in Cap Prem, and it looks as though they've got a good partnership going on with the other Wairarapa teams for this new youth setup.

Seems like a bit of a shame considering they used to be the perennial next best team in CL outside of Miramar, Olympic, Rovers and Wests. Lots of good players came through that youth setup as well. Some of the notable players include Scott Morris, Noah Boyce, Jonty Roubos, Duddley, Grover, who have all done well at the National League level.
No Keinzley. No party 
Stick that on a motivational poster
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10 days ago
Round 13 kicks off this weekend, with much better weather and ground conditions forecast. Most catch ups will happen on the last Chatham Cup window next week and another later in the season. Until then, we there are a few teams with extra games up their sleeve to make a late run.

Taradale have taken another step forward towards the title (and promotion)with a couple of log jams in the middle of the pack.

Douglas Villa v North Wellington
Notoriously hard to beat to beat in home conditions with home officials. This game could be a cracker, a loss to either side will impact their seasons for different reasons. NW continue their mid season surge are the clear favourites, but you never know! I’m picking a DRAW

Tawa v Palmerston North United
A tough away day for Tawa last weekend and a shock draw for PNU. Again, a key match in terms of the table - win and you’re top 2 or 3, lose and you could be back to 5th and outside that important top 4. I’m picking Tawa to build off last weekends loss and take the WIN.

Wainuiomata v Seatoun
Both teams having the weekend off last week due to weather and ground conditions, although Seatoun haven’t played in nearly a month! These sides have met twice this season, both at Seatoun (one in the cup) with a win a piece. I’m a Seatoun WIN to keep alive an interesting end of the season with two games in hand.

Lower Hutt City v Stop Out
Probably the hardest two teams to pick results for. Incredibly inconsistent, but both mathematically still in contention for promotion. Stop Out have won both fixtures this season (one in the cup), the latter being at Fraser Park. After two draws against two of the top teams away, I’m picking Stop Out WIN

Taradale v Palmerston North Marist 
After a long away day to Seatoun last weekend and no football, PNM will be looking forward to finally playing some football. Taradale off the back of a convincing win against challenges Tawa puts them in great form. I’m picking Taradale WIN and breaking PNM’s long stretch without a league loss. 

What are we feeling about this round and my completely unfounded attempts at predicting results?!…

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10 days ago
Bigboot wrote:
Lower Hutt City v Stop Out 
Probably the hardest two teams to pick results for. Incredibly inconsistent, but both mathematically still in contention for promotion. Stop Out have won both fixtures this season (one in the cup), the latter being at Fraser Park. After two draws against two of the top teams away, I’m picking Stop Out WIN 
To my shame I've never made it to a CL2 game, but this one's at Fraser Park straight after the Nix Reserves play NCR in the CL so it's tempting to stay and check it out.
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Endorsed by
bi
10 days ago
Simon B wrote:
 Bigboot wrote:
Lower Hutt City v Stop Out 
Probably the hardest two teams to pick results for. Incredibly inconsistent, but both mathematically still in contention for promotion. Stop Out have won both fixtures this season (one in the cup), the latter being at Fraser Park. After two draws against two of the top teams away, I’m picking Stop Out WIN 
To my shame I've never made it to a CL2 game, but this one's at Fraser Park straight after the Nix Reserves play NCR in the CL so it's tempting to stay and check it out.
These two teams are probably not the best advertisement for the league, but should be entertaining!
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Endorsed by
Simon BTyler
9 days ago
Wonder what the TAB odds are of teams having 11 on the field at the end of the game.

It is part of the excitement of this league tho
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8 days ago
Probably the first round all season where there was no clear upsets. By the looks of it, a few late winners/equalisers. Any feedback from these games? 

Douglas Villa 0 North Wellington 2 
Tawa 3 Palmerston North United 3
Wainuiomata 1 Seatoun 2
Lower Hutt 1 Stop Out 0
Taradale 1 Palmerston North Marist 1 



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8 days ago
Nth Wellington could still win this thing huh? Crazy old league. 
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8 days ago
Bigboot wrote:
These two teams are probably not the best advertisement for the league, but should be entertaining!
It was actually a good watch, especially after the ill-tempered CL scuffle before it. To my untrained eye the two teams were fairly evenly matched with LH having a small edge; they nearly made it 2-0 right at the end but Stop Out's keeper pulled off a great save to deny them.

Unexpected match moments were a Stop Out player going down mid-run and coming off the field with a possible popped Achilles (he described it as feeling like someone had kicked him then wondering why the ref didn't blow for the foul), and someone getting a ball onto the roof of the Ricoh Centre which I haven't seen in all my times at Fraser Park.
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Endorsed by
Bi
8 days ago
Wainuiomata v Seatoun 

An extremely heavy pitch at Richard Prouse Park, made for an interesting game of footy. Wainui had the best of the first 15 minutes, had two decent chances but were well saved by the Seatoun keeper. From then Seatoun dominated possession and chances for the rest of the game. A little wasteful in the final third should’ve scored a couple of goals either side of halftime. Some new faces and strong impacts off the bench for Seatoun saw them go one up after 84, only for Jack Imray and his left foot wand to assist an equaliser after 90. Some questionable refereeing at either the end of the pitch saw Seatoun score a 94th minute winner.

On the balance of the game, Seatoun deserved to win, Wainui seemed to have a number of usual starters on the bench, the coach said after the game they had a number of players returning from injury and illness.

Overall a good day at Richard Prouse Park mainly thanks to the weather. The pitch needs some serious drying out - it looked tough at times for the players. The right team won in the end leading into an interesting few weeks for Seatoun in the league with two games in hand on everyone else.
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Endorsed by
Tyler
6 days ago · edited 6 days ago · History
I see Cap Footy has updated the fixtures with the catch up games. 

This weekend:
Seatoun v Tawa 
Douglas Villa v Wainuiomata 

Wednesday 26 August 
Seatoun v Palmerston North Marist 

How is PNM making a mid week Wellington game work?
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Endorsed by
Shambles
3 days ago
A couple of catch up games this weekend, while the rest of the league enjoy a week off.

Seatoun v Tawa
An interesting fixture that has big implications on the league ladder. A win to Seatoun and they match Tawa on 19 points (with a game in hand), a win to Tawa puts them into 2nd. The first match between these teams earlier in the season ended in a 1-1 draw, with Tawa scoring late. Tawa are dangerous up top but poor at the back, conceding plenty of goals in recent weeks. Seatoun are quick out wide playing at home. I’m picking Seatoun to continue their good form and taking the WIN.

Douglas Villa v Wainuiomata
Both sides coming off 1 goal defeats last weekend. It appears to be the wooden spoon cup, with only Stop Out close enough to take that honour. Douglas Villa have excellent home form and have had some outstanding results of late against some of the top teams. Wainui appear to battling a little for a consistent lineup, but if they can get a fully fit squad it will be a close one. I’m picking an entertaining DRAW.

Only two games - who are you picking? 
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2 days ago · edited 2 days ago · History
I’m picking DV over Wainui. I note Declan Street has left Tawa for Petone. Think he was a big deal when he was young. Maybe a Phoenix academy graduate?

I’m picking Tawa. 
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about 24 hours ago
Seatoun 2 Tawa 1
Douglas Villa 1 Wainuiomata

Some more interesting results today. Wooden spoon battle is on! And with Seatouns win there are 2 points between 2nd and 7th….. Seatoun with a game in hand 


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