Central League 2

547 replies · 48,736 views
4 days ago
Got to watch the Marist vs tawa game. An absolute cracker. This is a fun league to watch. Marist probably shaded it but Tawa will be gutted not to get something out of it. I do wonder if Tawa weren't so attacking minded if they would be better, but great to watch. Marist are suffering with injuries which should make Wednesdays game very interesting. Will watch PNU vs Taradale next week, which if Marist get a result should be very tasty.


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4 days ago
spottswood wrote:
Got to watch the Marist vs tawa game. An absolute cracker. This is a fun league to watch. Marist probably shaded it but Tawa will be gutted not to get something out of it. I do wonder if Tawa weren't so attacking minded if they would be better, but great to watch. Marist are suffering with injuries which should make Wednesdays game very interesting. Will watch PNU vs Taradale next week, which if Marist get a result should be very tasty.


 
I was also at the Marist v Tawa game. 3 of the 5 goals were cracking goals by the way, good to watch! A few interesting refereeing decisions - Tawa will be upset about the disallowed goal that came from the penalty. I couldn't see/hear why that was over-turned, do you have any insight? My overall opinion was that Tawa are very one dimensional, and heavily reliant on the number 9 Staunton, while that Marist team would die for Adam Cowan - he really drives that team, even when to a neutral it looks like he's being a bit of an asshole to his teammates, they respond well to it.

Looks like PNU are going to miss out on promotion frankly. 8 points in their last 10 games, terrible form. As an outsider, it looks like the football scene is an interesting one in Palmy. The balance of power might just be shifting back to Marist unless PNU can topple the champions-elect in Taradale...
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4 days ago
BigRed49 wrote:
 spottswood wrote:
Got to watch the Marist vs tawa game. An absolute cracker. This is a fun league to watch. Marist probably shaded it but Tawa will be gutted not to get something out of it. I do wonder if Tawa weren't so attacking minded if they would be better, but great to watch. Marist are suffering with injuries which should make Wednesdays game very interesting. Will watch PNU vs Taradale next week, which if Marist get a result should be very tasty.


 
I was also at the Marist v Tawa game. 3 of the 5 goals were cracking goals by the way, good to watch! A few interesting refereeing decisions - Tawa will be upset about the disallowed goal that came from the penalty. I couldn't see/hear why that was over-turned, do you have any insight? My overall opinion was that Tawa are very one dimensional, and heavily reliant on the number 9 Staunton, while that Marist team would die for Adam Cowan - he really drives that team, even when to a neutral it looks like he's being a bit of an asshole to his teammates, they respond well to it.

Looks like PNU are going to miss out on promotion frankly. 8 points in their last 10 games, terrible form. As an outsider, it looks like the football scene is an interesting one in Palmy. The balance of power might just be shifting back to Marist unless PNU can topple the champions-elect in Taradale...
I was standing pretty close for the penalty and the guy who scored the goal from the follow up was a good yard inside the box. Thought the ref got it exactly right, but if I was playing and it happened against me, I'd be pissed.
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bi
4 days ago
So Marist need a win this Wednesday to stay in the title race and Seatoun need a win to stay in contention for promotion. A draw for either wouldn’t be that helpful. Should be a cracker! 

Any live stream of that game?
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3 days ago
CL2 Results:

Taradale 2-0 Lower Hutt City
Taradale now sit 4 points ahead of North Wellington and Palmerston North Marist. Marist can still catch them as they have a game in hand but will need their cross-town rivals to do them a favor in their final game of the season. This result confirms that Dale can finish no-lower than 2nd, and confirms Central League football for Hawkes Bay next year.

Douglas Villa 0-0 Palmerston North United
Villa prove difficult to beat at home once again. United's grim form continues. A win for United would have moved them above Tawa but they now sit level on points in 4th= position. Still all to play for next week.

Seatoun 1-2 North Wellington
North Welly get it done in a 6 pointer at Seatoun Park. North Welly shoot up to second but can't climb any higher. Seatoun still within touching distance of the top 4, as if they win their game in hand they will go 4th equal with Palmy United and Tawa.

Wainuiomata 5-2 Stop Out
A 7-goal thriller over the hill as Wainui take the derby bragging rights in this one. 4-0 at half time, Stop Out will be disappointed with how they started the game. A loss for Wainui would've seen them drop below Villa so they'll be pleased to of staved off a wooden spoon for now. Stop Out now sit 2 points behind local rivals Lower Hutt and will be looking to overtake them in the final round of the season.

Palmerston North Marist 3-2 Tawa
A real cracker in this 6 pointer, Marist's win keeps them within touching distance of a rare title chance, and leaves Tawa on the edge with United and Seatoun snapping at their heels. 

Still so much that can happen next week, exciting times for CL2 for sure!
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BiNoah4thenixSimon B
3 days ago · edited 3 days ago · History
Has anyone heard on if there will be a play-off between Greytown and the East vs West Prem winner?

Obviously we'll know what promotion looks like by the end of September but has anyone heard anything?

I'm expecting that the 4 clubs going up to CL2 will be Greytown (winner of Cap Prem), Whanganui Athletic/Gisborne United (winner of E/W playoff), Wellington Olympic Ressies (based on recent past performance), and Phoenix thirds (the Nix will probably want one side in the Central Leagues).

This also feels as though it makes the most sense (regarding what I think Capital and Central will do), as it keeps the club sides happy that they're getting promoted, while also giving the other National League sides the opportunity to go up to CL2 in later seasons.

If there is a playoff between Cap Prem and East/West Prem then this would complicate this further but theres always the chance they do this as a ceremonial trophy and then decide who goes up later.

Or there's no CL2. Who knows. I'll be relieved when this season is over.
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3 days ago
bigfudge wrote:
Has anyone heard on if there will be a play-off between Greytown and the East vs West Prem winner?

Obviously we'll know what promotion looks like by the end of September but has anyone heard anything?

I'm expecting that the 4 clubs going up to CL2 will be Greytown (winner of Cap Prem), Whanganui Athletic/Gisborne United (winner of E/W playoff), Wellington Olympic Ressies (based on recent past performance), and Phoenix thirds (the Nix will probably want one side in the Central Leagues).

This also feels as though it makes the most sense (regarding what I think Capital and Central will do), as it keeps the club sides happy that they're getting promoted, while also giving the other National League sides the opportunity to go up to CL2 in later seasons.

If there is a playoff between Cap Prem and East/West Prem then this would complicate this further but theres always the chance they do this as a ceremonial trophy and then decide who goes up later.

Or there's no CL2. Who knows. I'll be relieved when this season is over.
Gisborne article about the first leg states the winner faces Greytown in a further playoff.
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bi
3 days ago
bigfudge wrote:
Has anyone heard on if there will be a play-off between Greytown and the East vs West Prem winner?

Obviously we'll know what promotion looks like by the end of September but has anyone heard anything?

I'm expecting that the 4 clubs going up to CL2 will be Greytown (winner of Cap Prem), Whanganui Athletic/Gisborne United (winner of E/W playoff), Wellington Olympic Ressies (based on recent past performance), and Phoenix thirds (the Nix will probably want one side in the Central Leagues).

This also feels as though it makes the most sense (regarding what I think Capital and Central will do), as it keeps the club sides happy that they're getting promoted, while also giving the other National League sides the opportunity to go up to CL2 in later seasons.

If there is a playoff between Cap Prem and East/West Prem then this would complicate this further but theres always the chance they do this as a ceremonial trophy and then decide who goes up later.

Or there's no CL2. Who knows. I'll be relieved when this season is over.
The suggestion at the weekend was that a decision would be made this week on whether CL2 still exists next season or not with the leaning towards retaining it. Capital Football clubs have been anticipating promotion places across all capital leagues would be based on this season's performance rather than over a number of seasons so that puts the teams you mention (i.e. Greytown, Olympic Reserves and Phoenix Thirds) in the mix. 
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bi
2 days ago
Tartan Kiwi wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
Has anyone heard on if there will be a play-off between Greytown and the East vs West Prem winner?

Obviously we'll know what promotion looks like by the end of September but has anyone heard anything?

I'm expecting that the 4 clubs going up to CL2 will be Greytown (winner of Cap Prem), Whanganui Athletic/Gisborne United (winner of E/W playoff), Wellington Olympic Ressies (based on recent past performance), and Phoenix thirds (the Nix will probably want one side in the Central Leagues).

This also feels as though it makes the most sense (regarding what I think Capital and Central will do), as it keeps the club sides happy that they're getting promoted, while also giving the other National League sides the opportunity to go up to CL2 in later seasons.

If there is a playoff between Cap Prem and East/West Prem then this would complicate this further but theres always the chance they do this as a ceremonial trophy and then decide who goes up later.

Or there's no CL2. Who knows. I'll be relieved when this season is over.
The suggestion at the weekend was that a decision would be made this week on whether CL2 still exists next season or not with the leaning towards retaining it. Capital Football clubs have been anticipating promotion places across all capital leagues would be based on this season's performance rather than over a number of seasons so that puts the teams you mention (i.e. Greytown, Olympic Reserves and Phoenix Thirds) in the mix. 
It would also be worth noting that if CL2 is removed, there would be a lot of relegations across Capital Football. If CL2 finishes as it is right now and is disbanded, then Seatoun, Lower Hutt, Stop Out, Wainuiomata, and Douglas Villa would all be relegated to Cap Prem, meaning that 5 teams would have to be relegated from current Cap Prem, 5 teams from Cap 1, etc
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2 days ago
bigfudge wrote:
 Tartan Kiwi wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
Has anyone heard on if there will be a play-off between Greytown and the East vs West Prem winner?

Obviously we'll know what promotion looks like by the end of September but has anyone heard anything?

I'm expecting that the 4 clubs going up to CL2 will be Greytown (winner of Cap Prem), Whanganui Athletic/Gisborne United (winner of E/W playoff), Wellington Olympic Ressies (based on recent past performance), and Phoenix thirds (the Nix will probably want one side in the Central Leagues).

This also feels as though it makes the most sense (regarding what I think Capital and Central will do), as it keeps the club sides happy that they're getting promoted, while also giving the other National League sides the opportunity to go up to CL2 in later seasons.

If there is a playoff between Cap Prem and East/West Prem then this would complicate this further but theres always the chance they do this as a ceremonial trophy and then decide who goes up later.

Or there's no CL2. Who knows. I'll be relieved when this season is over.
The suggestion at the weekend was that a decision would be made this week on whether CL2 still exists next season or not with the leaning towards retaining it. Capital Football clubs have been anticipating promotion places across all capital leagues would be based on this season's performance rather than over a number of seasons so that puts the teams you mention (i.e. Greytown, Olympic Reserves and Phoenix Thirds) in the mix. 
It would also be worth noting that if CL2 is removed, there would be a lot of relegations across Capital Football. If CL2 finishes as it is right now and is disbanded, then Seatoun, Lower Hutt, Stop Out, Wainuiomata, and Douglas Villa would all be relegated to Cap Prem, meaning that 5 teams would have to be relegated from current Cap Prem, 5 teams from Cap 1, etc
I am almost certain CL2 is going to remain. I think we find out in the next few days. The most likely competition structure will be to promote two (maybe three) from Cap Footy and two from Central. 

I can’t understand why the Capital v Central playoff would go ahead if that’s the case.  
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biSouthernix
2 days ago
Bigboot wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
 Tartan Kiwi wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
Has anyone heard on if there will be a play-off between Greytown and the East vs West Prem winner?

Obviously we'll know what promotion looks like by the end of September but has anyone heard anything?

I'm expecting that the 4 clubs going up to CL2 will be Greytown (winner of Cap Prem), Whanganui Athletic/Gisborne United (winner of E/W playoff), Wellington Olympic Ressies (based on recent past performance), and Phoenix thirds (the Nix will probably want one side in the Central Leagues).

This also feels as though it makes the most sense (regarding what I think Capital and Central will do), as it keeps the club sides happy that they're getting promoted, while also giving the other National League sides the opportunity to go up to CL2 in later seasons.

If there is a playoff between Cap Prem and East/West Prem then this would complicate this further but theres always the chance they do this as a ceremonial trophy and then decide who goes up later.

Or there's no CL2. Who knows. I'll be relieved when this season is over.
The suggestion at the weekend was that a decision would be made this week on whether CL2 still exists next season or not with the leaning towards retaining it. Capital Football clubs have been anticipating promotion places across all capital leagues would be based on this season's performance rather than over a number of seasons so that puts the teams you mention (i.e. Greytown, Olympic Reserves and Phoenix Thirds) in the mix. 
It would also be worth noting that if CL2 is removed, there would be a lot of relegations across Capital Football. If CL2 finishes as it is right now and is disbanded, then Seatoun, Lower Hutt, Stop Out, Wainuiomata, and Douglas Villa would all be relegated to Cap Prem, meaning that 5 teams would have to be relegated from current Cap Prem, 5 teams from Cap 1, etc
I am almost certain CL2 is going to remain. I think we find out in the next few days. The most likely competition structure will be to promote two (maybe three) from Cap Footy and two from Central. 

I can’t understand why the Capital v Central playoff would go ahead if that’s the case.  
If CL2 ends, good luck to the person that has to tell the clubs with that teams that place 6th-10th cap prem downwards gets relegated. 
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biSouthernix
2 days ago
observerfromuh wrote:
 Bigboot wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
 Tartan Kiwi wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
Has anyone heard on if there will be a play-off between Greytown and the East vs West Prem winner?

Obviously we'll know what promotion looks like by the end of September but has anyone heard anything?

I'm expecting that the 4 clubs going up to CL2 will be Greytown (winner of Cap Prem), Whanganui Athletic/Gisborne United (winner of E/W playoff), Wellington Olympic Ressies (based on recent past performance), and Phoenix thirds (the Nix will probably want one side in the Central Leagues).

This also feels as though it makes the most sense (regarding what I think Capital and Central will do), as it keeps the club sides happy that they're getting promoted, while also giving the other National League sides the opportunity to go up to CL2 in later seasons.

If there is a playoff between Cap Prem and East/West Prem then this would complicate this further but theres always the chance they do this as a ceremonial trophy and then decide who goes up later.

Or there's no CL2. Who knows. I'll be relieved when this season is over.
The suggestion at the weekend was that a decision would be made this week on whether CL2 still exists next season or not with the leaning towards retaining it. Capital Football clubs have been anticipating promotion places across all capital leagues would be based on this season's performance rather than over a number of seasons so that puts the teams you mention (i.e. Greytown, Olympic Reserves and Phoenix Thirds) in the mix. 
It would also be worth noting that if CL2 is removed, there would be a lot of relegations across Capital Football. If CL2 finishes as it is right now and is disbanded, then Seatoun, Lower Hutt, Stop Out, Wainuiomata, and Douglas Villa would all be relegated to Cap Prem, meaning that 5 teams would have to be relegated from current Cap Prem, 5 teams from Cap 1, etc
I am almost certain CL2 is going to remain. I think we find out in the next few days. The most likely competition structure will be to promote two (maybe three) from Cap Footy and two from Central. 

I can’t understand why the Capital v Central playoff would go ahead if that’s the case.  
If CL2 ends, good luck to the person that has to tell the clubs with that teams that place 6th-10th cap prem downwards gets relegated. 
The regulations state that promotion occurs before relegation  - therefore it could be more relegations. The two Cap 1 sides that earned promotion come up first (IBU and Vic Uni - as all the others would be ineligible for promotion), then relegation is determined, which would be 4th-10th. With the  current standings, Cap Prem would be:

Seatoun 
Lower Hutt
Stop Out 
Wainuiomata
Douglas Villa 
Greytown 
Olympic Reserves 
Phoenix Thirds
Island Bay Reserves 
Vic Uni

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1 day ago
If they allow National League reserve teams into CL2, are there enough spots for all teams?

Currently, Taradale, North Welly, Marist and Tawa go up. So 4 spots to be filled. 

Olympic, Rovers and Miramar Ressies would come in. If Wests win the playoff, they'd also need a Reserves slot. And what about the Nix, would their thirds be given a spot too, because their Ressies are National League? Buuut also....we also have the winners of the promotion playoff between Central and Capital. That would put us at 12 teams (Nix 3rds, Olympic Res, Rovers Res, Miramar Res, Wests Res, PNU, Seatoun, Lower Hutt, Stop Out, Wainui, DV, and Playoff Winner). Would they do a 12 team CL2?
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1 day ago
Could make it so they're allowed to get promoted into CL2, but they still have to earn promotion rather than automatically getting the spot
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1 day ago
Southernix wrote:
Could make it so they're allowed to get promoted into CL2, but they still have to earn promotion rather than automatically getting the spot
This is my hope and also my understanding to what will happen. A lot of other details in the lower league to flesh out though. 
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bi
1 day ago
Southernix wrote:
Could make it so they're allowed to get promoted into CL2, but they still have to earn promotion rather than automatically getting the spot
Not sure even they could come up with auto NL resies spots 

Founder

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1 day ago · edited 1 day ago · History
Bigboot wrote:
 observerfromuh wrote:
 Bigboot wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
 Tartan Kiwi wrote:
 bigfudge wrote:
Has anyone heard on if there will be a play-off between Greytown and the East vs West Prem winner?

Obviously we'll know what promotion looks like by the end of September but has anyone heard anything?

I'm expecting that the 4 clubs going up to CL2 will be Greytown (winner of Cap Prem), Whanganui Athletic/Gisborne United (winner of E/W playoff), Wellington Olympic Ressies (based on recent past performance), and Phoenix thirds (the Nix will probably want one side in the Central Leagues).

This also feels as though it makes the most sense (regarding what I think Capital and Central will do), as it keeps the club sides happy that they're getting promoted, while also giving the other National League sides the opportunity to go up to CL2 in later seasons.

If there is a playoff between Cap Prem and East/West Prem then this would complicate this further but theres always the chance they do this as a ceremonial trophy and then decide who goes up later.

Or there's no CL2. Who knows. I'll be relieved when this season is over.
The suggestion at the weekend was that a decision would be made this week on whether CL2 still exists next season or not with the leaning towards retaining it. Capital Football clubs have been anticipating promotion places across all capital leagues would be based on this season's performance rather than over a number of seasons so that puts the teams you mention (i.e. Greytown, Olympic Reserves and Phoenix Thirds) in the mix. 
It would also be worth noting that if CL2 is removed, there would be a lot of relegations across Capital Football. If CL2 finishes as it is right now and is disbanded, then Seatoun, Lower Hutt, Stop Out, Wainuiomata, and Douglas Villa would all be relegated to Cap Prem, meaning that 5 teams would have to be relegated from current Cap Prem, 5 teams from Cap 1, etc
I am almost certain CL2 is going to remain. I think we find out in the next few days. The most likely competition structure will be to promote two (maybe three) from Cap Footy and two from Central. 

I can’t understand why the Capital v Central playoff would go ahead if that’s the case.  
If CL2 ends, good luck to the person that has to tell the clubs with that teams that place 6th-10th cap prem downwards gets relegated. 
The regulations state that promotion occurs before relegation  - therefore it could be more relegations. The two Cap 1 sides that earned promotion come up first (IBU and Vic Uni - as all the others would be ineligible for promotion), then relegation is determined, which would be 4th-10th. With the  current standings, Cap Prem would be:

Seatoun 
Lower Hutt
Stop Out 
Wainuiomata
Douglas Villa 
Greytown 
Olympic Reserves 
Phoenix Thirds
Island Bay Reserves 
Vic Uni



given 5th place in CL2 is six points of the title currently, yikes.

Even worse, Seatoun beat PNM and Taradale loses this weekend, could be 3 points off the top and get relegated.
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1 day ago
There are two things I'm very confident of:
  1.  CL2 will continue to exist in 2027. 
  2.  Capital will do everything they can to ensure Gisborne United don't get promoted to CL2, because the Wellington clubs don't want to travel to Gisborne. 
What I mean is, if four teams are supposed to come up, I could see Capital saying: "The Central play-off winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, can take two of the available spots, while reserve teams fill the other two."

What I can't see them saying is: "The East winner, Gisborne United, the West winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, all come up."
My point is that Capital will make whatever decision is necessary to ensure Gisborne don't get promoted. If Gizzy win the East v West play-off but then lose the following play-off against Greytown, you can absolutely guarantee that Greytown will go up....but there'll suddenly be no place for a Central team to come up, with reserve sides filling the remaining spots instead.

Of course, Gisborne could take the decision out of Capital's hands by beating Athletic and then beating Greytown....
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bi
1 day ago
BigRed49 wrote:
There are two things I'm very confident of:
  1.  CL2 will continue to exist in 2027. 
  2.  Capital will do everything they can to ensure Gisborne United don't get promoted to CL2, because the Wellington clubs don't want to travel to Gisborne. 
What I mean is, if four teams are supposed to come up, I could see Capital saying: "The Central play-off winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, can take two of the available spots, while reserve teams fill the other two."


What I can't see them saying is: "The East winner, Gisborne United, the West winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, all come up."My point is that Capital will make whatever decision is necessary to ensure Gisborne don't get promoted. If Gizzy win the East v West play-off but then lose the following play-off against Greytown, you can absolutely guarantee that Greytown will go up....but there'll suddenly be no place for a Central team to come up, with reserve sides filling the remaining spots instead.

Of course, Gisborne could take the decision out of Capital's hands by beating Athletic and then beating Greytown....
I completely understand your perspective. I don’t agree with you though - the decision is being made at a board meeting (tonight I think) and then communicated to all clubs impacted this week. There will be a clear and transparent path forward. 

The Gisborne effect is not that bigger deal for Wellington clubs (the clubs I have spoke to have no issue with one trip a year up there). I find it harder to believe that Gisborne can sustain their place in the league - but I have no evidence to say otherwise. 
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bi
1 day ago
I have enjoyed the chat around the possibilities for next year, however, there is actually a league game happening tomorrow night.

Seatoun v Palmerston North Marist
7:30pm 
Newtown Park 

This is such a fascinating game in terms of the league. A win for PNM keeps them in the title hunt and almost guarantees promotion next season. A win for Seatoun hands Taradale the league title and creates a situation where 2nd-6th are separated by 2 points. That scenario will be fascinating as none of those teams play each other on the final day and can therefore finish the season in any of those positions. 

In the first round of this fixture, Seatoun won 1-0 with playing 70mins with 10-men. PNM are now a far more connected team and have strung together a number of results on the bounce. Seatoun too are a different side and went on a 5 game run recently, although two losses in the bounce have hurt their league position. By all accounts both teams are at relatively full strength.

PNM having to travel down late on a Wednesday and playing on a grass pitch could make this game even more interesting. Just because I love the drama of football, I’m picking Seatoun to  win 2-1. 
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bi
1 day ago
Bigboot wrote:
 BigRed49 wrote:
There are two things I'm very confident of:
 
  1.  CL2 will continue to exist in 2027. 

  1.  Capital will do everything they can to ensure Gisborne United don't get promoted to CL2, because the Wellington clubs don't want to travel to Gisborne. 
What I mean is, if four teams are supposed to come up, I could see Capital saying: "The Central play-off winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, can take two of the available spots, while reserve teams fill the other two."


What I can't see them saying is: "The East winner, Gisborne United, the West winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, all come up."My point is that Capital will make whatever decision is necessary to ensure Gisborne don't get promoted. If Gizzy win the East v West play-off but then lose the following play-off against Greytown, you can absolutely guarantee that Greytown will go up....but there'll suddenly be no place for a Central team to come up, with reserve sides filling the remaining spots instead.

Of course, Gisborne could take the decision out of Capital's hands by beating Athletic and then beating Greytown....
I completely understand your perspective. I don’t agree with you though - the decision is being made at a board meeting (tonight I think) and then communicated to all clubs impacted this week. There will be a clear and transparent path forward. 

The Gisborne effect is not that bigger deal for Wellington clubs (the clubs I have spoke to have no issue with one trip a year up there). I find it harder to believe that Gisborne can sustain their place in the league - but I have no evidence to say otherwise. 
I hope that's true, and Wellington clubs are content with the single visit per year! I do understand the Gisborne trip is a big and potentially expensive one for any club outside of the Hawkes Bay - but they still deserve a fair crack of things. Also, the overnight trip can be a bit of fun if planned well!

Definitely some valid concerns as to whether a Gizzy team can do all those away trips though. I think if it was Thistle going up, there'd be less concern (they used to be fairly well funded, unsure if that's still the case to be fair). I know it's a big rivalry between United and Thistle, but if the best Thistle players went to United in the off-season, I think United would be fine in CL2. 

All of this is to say...I really hope decisions are made for the right reasons :) 
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Endorsed by
bi
about 22 hours ago · edited about 22 hours ago · History
Bigboot wrote:
 BigRed49 wrote:
There are two things I'm very confident of:
 
  1.  CL2 will continue to exist in 2027. 

  1.  Capital will do everything they can to ensure Gisborne United don't get promoted to CL2, because the Wellington clubs don't want to travel to Gisborne. 
What I mean is, if four teams are supposed to come up, I could see Capital saying: "The Central play-off winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, can take two of the available spots, while reserve teams fill the other two."


What I can't see them saying is: "The East winner, Gisborne United, the West winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, all come up."My point is that Capital will make whatever decision is necessary to ensure Gisborne don't get promoted. If Gizzy win the East v West play-off but then lose the following play-off against Greytown, you can absolutely guarantee that Greytown will go up....but there'll suddenly be no place for a Central team to come up, with reserve sides filling the remaining spots instead.

Of course, Gisborne could take the decision out of Capital's hands by beating Athletic and then beating Greytown....
I completely understand your perspective. I don’t agree with you though - the decision is being made at a board meeting (tonight I think) and then communicated to all clubs impacted this week. There will be a clear and transparent path forward. 

The Gisborne effect is not that bigger deal for Wellington clubs (the clubs I have spoke to have no issue with one trip a year up there). I find it harder to believe that Gisborne can sustain their place in the league - but I have no evidence to say otherwise. 
It's definitely up for debate if they can sustain it. Their main sponsor this season is HES who I believe is owned by the Adams family, 3 of which play for the first team. From what I've heard, they basically just pump enough cash into the club to keep it going and have been doing that for a while. 

The jump to CL2 would require a huge amount of outside sponsorship which I'm not sure is something United could easily get around. They don't have a great reputation outside or inside of Gisborne (they have been kicked out of clubrooms a few times because of behavior issues) and before last season, needed Central Football to try and convince them to play Eastern Prems.

If it was Thistle, I would be far more confident as off the pitch the club is set up far better to handle these kind of requirements (have previously sorted out flight travel, etc). Another worry for United is that they have no junior setup. It is literally just the mens and womens teams. Most of United's signings come from Gisborne Boys High School, and former Thistle players.

While I'd love to have some Gisborne representation in CL2, and United have definitely earned it on the field, they could definitely struggle.
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Endorsed by
Bi
about 22 hours ago
Bigboot wrote:
I have enjoyed the chat around the possibilities for next year, however, there is actually a league game happening tomorrow night.

Seatoun v Palmerston North Marist
7:30pm 
Newtown Park 

This is such a fascinating game in terms of the league. A win for PNM keeps them in the title hunt and almost guarantees promotion next season. A win for Seatoun hands Taradale the league title and creates a situation where 2nd-6th are separated by 2 points. That scenario will be fascinating as none of those teams play each other on the final day and can therefore finish the season in any of those positions. 

In the first round of this fixture, Seatoun won 1-0 with playing 70mins with 10-men. PNM are now a far more connected team and have strung together a number of results on the bounce. Seatoun too are a different side and went on a 5 game run recently, although two losses in the bounce have hurt their league position. By all accounts both teams are at relatively full strength.

PNM having to travel down late on a Wednesday and playing on a grass pitch could make this game even more interesting. Just because I love the drama of football, I’m picking Seatoun to  win 2-1. 
Huge game is an understatement. Although in fairness, because of how tight the table is, every game is huge now. I love CL2
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about 21 hours ago
bigfudge wrote:
 Bigboot wrote:
 BigRed49 wrote:
There are two things I'm very confident of:
 
  1.  CL2 will continue to exist in 2027. 

  1.  Capital will do everything they can to ensure Gisborne United don't get promoted to CL2, because the Wellington clubs don't want to travel to Gisborne. 
What I mean is, if four teams are supposed to come up, I could see Capital saying: "The Central play-off winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, can take two of the available spots, while reserve teams fill the other two."


What I can't see them saying is: "The East winner, Gisborne United, the West winner, Whanganui, and the Capital Premier winner, Greytown, all come up."My point is that Capital will make whatever decision is necessary to ensure Gisborne don't get promoted. If Gizzy win the East v West play-off but then lose the following play-off against Greytown, you can absolutely guarantee that Greytown will go up....but there'll suddenly be no place for a Central team to come up, with reserve sides filling the remaining spots instead.

Of course, Gisborne could take the decision out of Capital's hands by beating Athletic and then beating Greytown....
I completely understand your perspective. I don’t agree with you though - the decision is being made at a board meeting (tonight I think) and then communicated to all clubs impacted this week. There will be a clear and transparent path forward. 

The Gisborne effect is not that bigger deal for Wellington clubs (the clubs I have spoke to have no issue with one trip a year up there). I find it harder to believe that Gisborne can sustain their place in the league - but I have no evidence to say otherwise. 
It's definitely up for debate if they can sustain it. Their main sponsor this season is HES who I believe is owned by the Adams family, 3 of which play for the first team. From what I've heard, they basically just pump enough cash into the club to keep it going and have been doing that for a while. 

The jump to CL2 would require a huge amount of outside sponsorship which I'm not sure is something United could easily get around. They don't have a great reputation outside or inside of Gisborne (they have been kicked out of clubrooms a few times because of behavior issues) and before last season, needed Central Football to try and convince them to play Eastern Prems.

If it was Thistle, I would be far more confident as off the pitch the club is set up far better to handle these kind of requirements (have previously sorted out flight travel, etc). Another worry for United is that they have no junior setup. It is literally just the mens and womens teams. Most of United's signings come from Gisborne Boys High School, and former Thistle players.

While I'd love to have some Gisborne representation in CL2, and United have definitely earned it on the field, they could definitely struggle.
Not sure if their changing rooms/pitch is up to the standard for CL2 either. Absolutely awful facilities. 

They certainly will need massive sponsorship to manage that much travel! If it was to happen, I think they would very likely be a one season wonder
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Endorsed by
bi
about 20 hours ago
mraotxt2 wrote: Not sure if their changing rooms/pitch is up to the standard for CL2 either. Absolutely awful facilities. 

They certainly will need massive sponsorship to manage that much travel! If it was to happen, I think they would very likely be a one season wonder
Agreed on this. Although, while the individual changing rooms are tiny, theres enough of them under the grandstand that you could probably give each team two changing rooms, the refs one, and also have a room for physios.

If needed, they could easily extend the length of the pitch up to 100 metres. There's only 64 metres between the veranda of the hockey clubrooms, and the cricket green on the other side. Also taking into account that you need to have a 2m physical gap between the pitch and any fence. 

In the LOTG, Law 1 – The Field of Play (the pitch laws NZ football uses), the minimum width is 45m, and minimum length is 90m.
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about 14 hours ago
bigfudge wrote:
 Bigboot wrote:
I have enjoyed the chat around the possibilities for next year, however, there is actually a league game happening tomorrow night.

Seatoun v Palmerston North Marist
7:30pm 
Newtown Park 

This is such a fascinating game in terms of the league. A win for PNM keeps them in the title hunt and almost guarantees promotion next season. A win for Seatoun hands Taradale the league title and creates a situation where 2nd-6th are separated by 2 points. That scenario will be fascinating as none of those teams play each other on the final day and can therefore finish the season in any of those positions. 

In the first round of this fixture, Seatoun won 1-0 with playing 70mins with 10-men. PNM are now a far more connected team and have strung together a number of results on the bounce. Seatoun too are a different side and went on a 5 game run recently, although two losses in the bounce have hurt their league position. By all accounts both teams are at relatively full strength.

PNM having to travel down late on a Wednesday and playing on a grass pitch could make this game even more interesting. Just because I love the drama of football, I’m picking Seatoun to  win 2-1. 
Huge game is an understatement. Although in fairness, because of how tight the table is, every game is huge now. I love CL2
Alright…. I’ve moved a few things around and I’ll get down to watch this one. Report incoming….
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Endorsed by
BimrTh
about 8 hours ago · edited 43 minutes ago · History
Seatoun 2–1 Palmerston North Marist

Taradale are champions 🏆


PN Marist started well, pressed hard and managed to score early in the first half through Darren Juru, but after that they didn’t really create much until injury time. Seatoun looked much better with the ball and probably should have won by more, but some poor passing and decision-making in the final third let them down.

The biggest talking point was Adam Cowan not getting on the pitch until injury time. When he did eventually come on, he could barely walk, let alone run or influence the game. It really showed how important he is to this Marist side. Without him, they looked pretty short of ideas in possession, and I’d be worried for them on Saturday if he’s unavailable.

For Seatoun, Luke Hardy got them back into the game after Marist took the lead, before Connor Boyd scored the winner.

Boyd is probably the quickest player in the league from what I’ve seen. Seatoun could have made the game a lot more comfortable if they had looked for him in behind more often. The Seatoun keeper also made a clutch save in injury time to secure the 3 points.

So what does this result do to the league?

It makes things very interesting.

Second to sixth are separated by just two points. None of those teams play each other this weekend, so Seatoun and PN United will be hoping some of the teams around them can do them a favour and take points off the sides above them.

Preview for the weekend coming tomorrow. 
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Endorsed by
ho