Nando Pijnaker & Max Mata – Sligo Rovers (League of Ireland Premier Division)

After each making the LOI Team of the Week in round one, both Max Mata and Nando Pijnaker sought to continue that early form away to UCD in the second game of the term. A Friday night match local time in which Sligo Rovers started in a hurry creating a couple of rapid chances... before conceding in the fifth minute via an Alex Nolan finish on the cut-back. Not the way it was supposed to go. But don’t worry it got better.

Max Mata nudged in a close-ranger soon after as Sligo got back into their possession... but it didn’t count as Mata had strayed offside for the square ball across the six-yard box. He also launched a header over the top from a tough delivery rising high above his marker but not quite high enough to get over the top of it. Only a half-chance but he was getting involved - especially with his hold up play, drifting across the width of the pitch. Then before long...

First of the season. It was coming. Up and running and seeking to top the seven LOI goals he scored last season. More importantly, in the short term, getting his team back level after 21 minutes in a game they were beginning to really dominate.

Or so it seemed at the time. Rovers did have a chunk of possession however they didn’t quite forge the same level of chances as they had to that point and had to hit the sheds still at 1-1. And then early in the second half they conceded again. Danu Kinsella-Bishop with the 49th min goal for UCD

This was proving an awkward game thanks mostly to Sligo’s own mistakes. Nothing for it but to try find another equaliser and to that aim there was plenty of Pijnaker carrying the ball forward looking for progressive passes and plenty of Mata covering turf in search of facilitating chances. He had a good one himself with a header after about an hour. A few other crosses in his direction didn’t meet their target. That all led up to the 68th min when Mata held the ball up nicely in the left corner, slipped a pass inside to Fabrice Hartmann, who beat a couple defenders then chipped a pass into a defender’s hand. Penalty. Mata was quick to gather up the loose ball himself and then expertly placed that sucker into the bottom corner for his second of the day. Great spot kick. 2-2 with twenty still to go.

Then it happened again. A great move from Sligo Rovers down the left and Reece Hutchison was clipped on his heels. Penalty again... even though the contact did appear to happen outside the penalty area. No dramas. Max Mata stepped up again and this time buried it down the middle for his hat-trick, sending his team into the lead inside the last ten minutes. Have a day, fella. His first three-for since moving to Sligo Rovers (he did bang a hatty back with Nõmme Kalju in 2019 so not his first as a pro though).

The lads saw it out from there. 3-2 victory, rallying back from a couple deficits to take the three points and get their season off to a roaring start. A draw against the defending champs, then a win on the road. Four points from two matches. Max Mata ends the round as the league’s leading goal-scorer. Sweet as.

John Russell, Sligo Rovers manager: “Yeah it’s important for a centre-forward to get goals early in the season. I thought he was excellent last week against Shamrock Rovers and he led the line really well tonight. Very happy he’s come away with three goals. It’s good momentum for him. He’s worked really hard in preseason.”

You probably already guessed this next bit was coming, right?

Nando Pijnaker was decent too, by the way. Just to make sure he’s not entirely lost in the shadow of his old mate, even though this was Max Mata’s week. Second game in a row which he’s finished with the captain’s armband on.

Up Next: Away to Drogheda United at 8.45am on Saturday, then home vs St Pat’s Athletic same time on Tuesday (NZT)

Olivia Chance - Celtic FC (Scottish Premier League)

Liv Chance didn’t play the third Footy Ferns game of the recent window. Might have made the difference in a game where the high press was causing good things to happen in that first half in particular but alas she’d already shipped back to Scotland by then. Pre-arranged with Celtic when the squad was selected. The reason for that was a Friday night game with absolutely enormous ramifications on not only their own season but the entire title race.

We’re talking Celtic versus Rangers. The Old Firm Derby. Essential points on offer for both teams in what’s the second to last match between the top three this term (Celtic are also yet to host Glasgow City) prior to the impending top-six/bottom-six split (which is a double rounder, home and away). None of the title contenders are likely to drop many points against the teams below their exalted trio so every time those sides face off directly shapes to be crucial in the course of the championship.

With the game happening when it did, and considering its importance, Celtic needed Liv Chance to be available. The Ferns probably could’ve held onto her but to be fair Celtic had been good buggers in releasing her for the USA series despite it not being part of an international window. Perhaps even doing so with this tour in mind. Backs were mutually scratched. You know how it goes. Not only was Liv Chance picked to start this game but she lined up in midfield rather than the left wingback gig they’ve been testing her out with this season. Huge game, back to the tried and true. No Vic Esson for Rangers though. She remains out injured with the same knock that cost her that last Footy Ferns tour.

There was a fantastic atmosphere for this game, with two teams each knowing the enormity of the occasion and seeking to get out there and win the thing. Celtic were a tad slow out of the blocks but were the first team to threaten a goal as Natasha Flint rocked one off the post from just outside the area. Then right around that 15 minute mark the Celts took the lead. Corner kick from Jacynta Galabadaarachchi. Header from Caitlin Hayes. 1-0 to Celtic.

Rangers grew into the game after that yet weren’t able to fashion too many open chances despite no shortage of shots. There was a cross that almost drifted into the top corner. There was a long ranger fizzed slightly high. Liv Chance mostly sat at the base of midfield staying disciplined and preventing anything coming back through the middle. Mission accomplished as Celtic kept that 1-0 lead into the break... then incredibly tripled it within five mins of the second half beginning.

Great work from Shen Menglu in setting up Amy Gallacher to nudge in from close range (46’) before Hayes banged in another header from another corner (49’). Rangers pushed for goals, making several attacking subs. But Celtic were cool with that. They let their opponents have the ball and in the process kept everything under control, massaging the remaining minutes out of this thing until that 3-0 win was in the books. Full game for Liv Chance. Massive win for Celtic. Rangers with their first league defeat since 2021.

Elsewhere, Meikayla Moore was given the game off for Glasgow City as they strolled past Aberdeen 7-0 to remain three points clear at the top of the ladder. Also gives their goal difference another welcome boost as they’re going to need all they can get in that regard as it could easily end up being goal difference that decides the title.

Also Katie Rood played just under seventy minutes for Hearts against Hibernian. Subbed off with her team trailing by a goal... but Georgia Hunter headed in from an 89th minute corner kick to eventually split the points with a 1-1 draw. There was also a wee trophy on the line between the two Edinburgh rivals – the Capital Cup – which, because of the draw, was determined with a penalty shootout afterwards. Nothing to do with the league result/points but Hearts triumphed there to take the trophy home.

Up Next: Celtic are away to Hamilton Accies on Thursday at 9am... then the big one at home vs Glasgow City at 5.10am on Monday (NZT)

Chris Wood - Nottingham Forest (English Premier League)

What a difference a goal makes, aye? After his late equaliser against Manchester City last week, The Woodsman was back in the starting eleven to take on West Ham – one of his favourite opponents. Not only that but he immediately looked so much more compatible with his teammates than he had in any of his previous Forest games. They’re starting to figure this thing out, with Wood holding the ball up and nudging it around on top of his dependable hard work off the ball (including defensive set piece work) and winning plenty of aerials. It was lovely to see.

Unfortunately that was about the only lovely thing about this Nottm Forest performance. Their away form has been been drastic this term. At home they’re decent with 19 points from 12 matches. However in away games it’s been awful: only one win and six points from 12 away games with a -26 goal difference. It used to be -22 but now it’s -26 after a 4-0 loss to West Ham here.

It was still 0-0 after 70 minutes. West Ham aren’t in fantastic form themselves so this disjointed game didn’t have much action in the first half. Yet, in front of a big home crowd, the Hammers steadily upped the tempo until two quick-fire goals from Danny Ings changed the course of the contest. 71’ and 73’. Chris Wood was subbed off in the aftermath of the second of those goals then Declan Rice (78’) and Michail Antonio (85’) added a couple more anyway. No shots for Wood. Only 17 touches. He hardly missed a pass but you couldn’t say the same thing for teammates crossing towards him – some of the deliveries were absolutely awful. Good to see Woodsy integrating more with Forest but this was a wee bit rubbish from his team overall.

According to the man himself he was then planning on heading down to Wembley Stadium the next day to support his parent club (until his move becomes permanent at the end of the season) Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final against Manchester United. The way it works with medals is that every player in the matchday squad gets one plus there are a certain amount more given to the clubs to distribute at their own discretion (adding up to 30 medals overall). Given that Woodsy played in every leg prior to the semis and even scored in one of the early rounds he was almost a certainty to get a winner’s medal had that come to pass. But alas Man Utd triumphed 2-0.

Newcastle’s last major trophy came with the 1955 FA Cup (although they have won the second division four times since then). Chris Wood’s got a winner’s medal in both League One (Brighton 2010-11) and the Championship (Leicester City 2013-14) but no cup comps. No kiwi bloke has ever won the EFL Cup or FA Cup, as far as can be determined (hit us up if you know otherwise). But that’s not true for the wahine...

Ria Percival also played in the FA Cup final with West Ham a couple years ago, albeit they lost 3-0 to Manchester City. Donna Baker played for Liverpool in 1994 back when they were known as Knowsley United. Lost 1-0 to Doncaster Belles.

Up Next: Home against Everton at 3am on Monday... Woodsy vs his old gaffer Sean Dyche (NZT)

Joe Bell – Brøndby IF (Danish Superliga)

Things appear to be turning around for Brøndby, finally. Back to back victories since the league resumed from winter break and the latest was a massive effort taking down perennial big dogs FC Midtjylland 1-0 on the road. There’s a new manager in place at BIF nowadays which has helped. Also of assistance: the resurgence of Joe Bell. The new gaffer and the long break gave him the space he needed to win his spot back and he’s done so excellently, starting again in the FCM game and providing 87 minutes of poised defensive midfield contributions.

Bellinho was subbed off near the end as they closed things down. Fine work from him playing with discipline, collecting the ball from the defence and moving it around. He completed his passes at 90% and made sure he was rarely ever out of position. That did mean sacrificing some of his marauding abilities, not getting as stuck in or pushing forward like he would at Viking, but you do what you’ve gotta do against the top teams and in a match without too many overt chances it was a 57th minute Ohi Omoijuanfro tap-in (after Simon Hedlund had squared one across goal from the right side) that made the difference.

The home side came at BIF pretty steadily over the remaining half hour including one shot that pinged off the post. Nothing that stuck. Eventually a 1-0 win was confirmed and with that Brøndby leap all the way up to fifth on the ladder – ahead of FCM – and into the top six three games ahead of the championship/relegation round split.

In other news we didn’t get a sighter of Marko Stamenic in FC Copenhagen’s latest. Unused sub in a 1-0 win over Aalborg. Viktor Claesson scored the winner on 62’. Could be more prominent this week with two games coming up (including a Danish Cup quarter-final first leg). Nevertheless, this win continues FCK’s hot form - they’ve won five Superliga games in a row conceding zero goals in the process to get back into the title race. Only six points off leaders Nordsjælland. Still a good chance that Stammers can finish up his time in Denmark with a trophy or two.

Elsewhere Horsens lost 3-0 to Viborg (who are second in the standings). Elijah Just was back to the bench this time, subbed on for the last quarter of an hour. They were 3-0 down after twenty minutes though and the damage long since done by the time Just entered the fray.

Up Next: Monday at 4am away to Lyngby (NZT)

Logan Rogerson & Ollie Whyte - FC Haka (Finnish Veikkausliiga)

Good value there, Logan Rogerson with his first goal of the campaign in the fourth and final Liigacup group stage effort. He’s missed a few chances in other games (including a penalty) so this was an important one for him personally... and also huge for the team as they sought a spot in the knockouts.

Against group leaders FC Oulu they knew a win would see them through while a draw would at least give them hope. And they started fast. Pressing and forcing errors on the indoor artificial turf (the Liigacup group stage is glorified preseason so gotta play indoors to avoid six feet of snow), leading to a few early chances including one for Rogerson which drew a sharp 1v1 save on the angle. Until, in the 19th minute, Rogerson slid in at the back post and put Haka in front.

Unfortunately it took less than two minutes for Oulu to get back level again and by the 26th min they were ahead. Both goals from dudes running deep and beating the keeper as he closed them down. Not ideal. However a very tidy and casual finish from Eero-Matti Auvinen soon polished off a chip back into the area following a set piece on 29’ and it was 2-2. Back on track.

Alas, they never could find a third goal. Neither could Oulu in a much less dramatic second half... aside from Stavros Zarokostas getting a straight red for chopping a bloke down just over halfway. Last man tackle against the runaway in the third minute of stoppage time. That sacrifice might have saved their Liigacup season except that KuPS got a point against VPS with a 1-1 draw. That drew KuPS level on points with Haka, behind on goal difference but it was the head to head 1-0 win for KuPS last week that was the tiebreaker in question. Thus Haka bow out at the group stage. They’ll be back in two weeks when the Veikaugsliiga kicks off. By the way, no Ollie Whyte in the last couple games. Presumably an injury there.

Up Next: Inter Turku vs FC Haka at 1am on Sat 12 March in the first round of the new league (NZT)

Rebekah Stott - Brighton & Hove Albion (English Super League)

None of the WSL women played this week. It was an FA Cup weekend and CJ Bott’s Leicester City have already been knocked out. She might not have featured anyway considering she’s nursing an injury from Footy Ferns duty. Rebekah Stott also got injured on that tour and didn’t partake as Brighton cruised into the quarters with a 5-0 win over lower-division Coventry (hence why she gets the title for this segment).

In other matches, Anna Leat remains out for Aston Villa which was a shame as they went to a penalty shootout against her old team West Ham. We know what a class act Leat is in a shootout too. Luckily Hannah Hampton ain’t half bad herself. She didn’t actually save any attempts but what she did do was score one with her team’s eighth attempt, which was more than Mackenzie Arnold could manage as WHU’s Aussie keeper went next and blazed wide to send Villa into the quarters with a 7-6 win on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the game itself.

The Ria Percival-less Tottenham Hotspur weren’t able to do the same, sadly. A 0-0 draw with Reading was probably disappointing enough in itself, especially as they were rather fortunate not to lose in normal time given the weight of chances. But then it got worse as they went down 5-4 on spotties to exit the tournament in the fifth round.

The quarter-finals will take place in three weeks so Leat and Stott should both be back available by then. Aston Villa have been handed a brutal tie at home against Manchester City. Brighton were a bit more fortunate drawing Birmingham City away. Lewes vs Man United and Reading vs Chelsea are the other two fixtures.

Up Next: Chelsea vs Brighton on Thursday at 8.30am, then Brighton vs Man City on Monday at 3am... it’s going to be a long week (NZT)

Matthew Garbett - NAC Breda (Dutch Eerste Divisie)

Oh that’s just Matt Garbett making his first start for NAC Breda and setting up a goal. That one was to put NAC up two against Dordrecht after half an hour. Victor Wernersson finished that one off. Cuco Martina had scored the first goal ten minutes earlier... Martina used to play for Everton and Southampton (amongst others) and although he was born in the Netherlands he represents Curaçao internationally... playing against Matt Garbett when New Zealand beat them 2-1 back in October 2021. Weird how these things come back around.

Anyway, Garbett played as an attacking midfielder and looked quite sharp, impressing the home crowd with his movement and energy. He lasted 67 mins before he was replaced... although a sloppy start to the second half meant that a 2-0 lead by then had become a 2-2 stalemate. Points were on the verge of being thrown away. Then Moreno Rutten scored for NAC on 68’ and they were able to steady the ship. Took it to the finish line for a 3-2 win that lifts them up to ninth. A good finish to the term and playoffs are every bit a possibility.

Meanwhile guess what? Ryan Thomas returned for PEC Zwolle this week. Only ended up missing two weeks with the hamstring yarn, they did suggest it was only a precautionary thing and sure enough that seems to have been the case. Though perhaps the they’ll take it easier with his workload for a wee while given how long he was out of the game for. Thomas was subbed on in the 68th minute away against MVV... but Zwolle, who were 2-0 up after 15 mins, somehow managed to throw that one away to lose 3-2 to a 90+5th minute winner. Less than ideal. That’s consecutive defeats for Zwolle who remain first by three clear points.

Up Next: Tuesday at 8am away to Jong PSV (NZT)

Michael Boxall – Minnesota United (American Major League Soccer)

Well, folks, the MLS is upon us. And for Minnesota United the hope is that 2023 will be the year that they evolve into genuine title contenders. Four straight playoff appearances but only once advancing past the first round. They finished sixth in the Western Conference last term only to lose on penalties to FC Dallas in the postseason. In order to do take that next step they’ve stocked up plenty during the transfer window without really losing anyone major in the process. Curiously, three of their eight new signings (including several signed for transfer fees) have been central defenders.

All the same, Michael Boxall still walked out in the starting team as the Loons began the new season where they finished the last one: away to FC Dallas. Boxall was joined by Miguel Tapias at CB, a Mexican defender who joined from Pachuca for an undisclosed figure earlier in the month. Bakaye Dibassy is still recovering from last year’s season-ending injury and could change things when he returns but Boxy does seem entrenched as a first choice despite all the new additions. This also opens up the possibility of flipping to a back three at times. Plus depth is always a beautiful thing. Should note that Tapias is a left-footer which sits nicely alongside Boxall.

And this time things went the way of the Loons...

A Mender Garcia goal on 48’ was the difference in a 1-0 victory. Following up on a Robin Lod effort that had been saved barely two minutes into the second half. Sweet way to get things going, starting with a win and a clean sheet – plus they did so without star playmaker Emanuel Reynoso who hasn’t yet reported for the new season, apparently dealing with some personal issues back home.

Boxall turned a low hard cross into his own side-netting inside five mins for a nervous instance (trust he knew his angles there) but played very well overall. Bit more licence to drift forward this season by the looks, able to play a higher line thanks to Tapias’ skilful ball-playing, while the defensive aspects were never in question. Boxy actually missed a great chance to kill the game off with fifteen to play as he hung forward after a free kick and headed over the top from the second phase delivery. Quite far over the top, looping that thing high of the target. All goods. They won. Reverted to a three at the back for the latter stages and got the job done. Fist pumps and cheers across the park when the final whistle went.

Up Next: Minnesota vs NY Red Bulls on Sunday at 2.30pm (NZT)

Bill Tuiloma – Charlotte FC (American Major League Soccer)

Only one other kiwi lad in the MLS this season and that’s the recently-traded Bill Tuiloma. Tui’s a quality bloke coming off his best ever season, especially with his newfound attacking majesty. Glad to see him in a situation where his status in the squad should reflect that as a leader and a key player.

They only traded for him two weeks ago but he was able to sneak in one preseason game to ensure he was ready for the visit of New England Revolution in week one of the regular season. Started in central defence alongside 21yo Frenchman Adilson Malanda – a new French Connection for Tuiloma. An enormous home crowd of 69,345 punters showed up to cheer Charlotte on. MLS is back.

The game itself did kinda feel like early season footy with neither team yet into their strides. But that also meant an open end-to-end match with plenty of excitement. Didn’t lead to very many chances in the first half although those did arrive eventually, the last half hour was full of them starting with when NER hit the post with a header (then had a follow-up saved after Tuiloma tried to clear his lines with an overhead kick). Tui himself absolutely leathered a low shot from distance which didn’t miss by much. There were shots on target. There were crosses. Good to see Tuiloma being targetted from set pieces at his new club – every indication here was that Billy’s still got goals in him.

However it was a corner at the other end that proved to be the decisive moment. Charlotte cleared it initially and tried to counter against the disjointed Revolution only to give the ball away too easily and have the pressure sent back their way. Tuiloma slid in strongly to block the initial cross but he couldn’t get to the loose ball before Henry Kessler who slammed in an 89th minute winner for the Revs. Bugger.

Up Next: St Louis vs Charlotte on Sunday at 2.30pm (NZT)

Sarpreet Singh - SSV Jahn Regensburg (German Bundesliga 2)

It would be nice if Sarpreet Singh played for a better team than Regensburg. It’ll happen soon enough, he’s a known force who almost secured a Bundesliga move to Werder Bremen prior to this term and he’s looked a step above since he returned to the pitch last month. But despite Singh’s best efforts, Regensburg went down 1-0 to Karlsruher on the weekend to extend their winless streak to nine league games. They’ve taken just two points from those fixtures. Sinking down into the relegation zone in the process.

Singh was involved in the majority of his team’s best work. After they’d fallen behind to a Mikkel Kaufmann goal in the 24th minute, converting a slick transitional move after SSV Jahn had coughed the ball up at right back, it was Sarpreet Singh who almost scored a worldie chopping in from the wing and curling one onto the crossbar off his left boot. Almost a magical effort. It was the best thing that Regensburg mustered in a poor first half littered with bad touches and disjointedness.

But, fair play, they kept it to a one-goal margin and improved in the second half. Admittedly with several headed chances against them peppered throughout the half which could have killed things off in an instant, but they survived those and steady flow of attacking subs they created a lot more in that second spell. Including Singh nudging a back-post chip back infield only for the defender to get there first. There was a sneaky pass in behind that should’ve led to a shot but instead led to a blocked pass. Chuck in a dribble of Singh’s where he couldn’t quite get to his shot. Several tasty corner kicks including one headed on target but straight at the goalie. And then another leftie curler shot, this one a little closer, which had the same effect: dipping onto the woodwork. Post this time. Luck was not with him on this particular evening. Karlsruher took the points with a 1-0 result.

Two shots, both hitting the frame of the goal. Two key passes. Six attempted crosses mostly from corners. He also got a yellow card in the first half, one of those professional fouls tracking back to make up for his own mistake in giving the ball away with a poor cross. Singh was class even for a struggling team. Disappointing result but at least the scouts will have been impressed.

Up Next: Jahn Regensburg vs Dusseldorf on Sunday at 1am (NZT)

Ben Waine – Plymouth Argyle (English League One)

Anyone fancy a trip to Wembley Stadium? Because Ben Waine sure does. That’s where he and Plymouth Argyle are heading after a penalty shootout victory against Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy semi-final.

Waineo didn’t feature, annoyingly. But at least he was on the bench after missing the previous matchday squad altogether (big squad, lots of new signings, and a mostly full bill of health will do that from time to time). Waine hasn’t gotten on the pitch since he was subbed at half-time in the loss to Sheffield Wednesday. Possibly rushed into the team a bit too early, now there’s a readjustment period going on as he properly settles into the rhythm of English footy... as well as moving countries. That was something he addressed when given the pre-game press conference duties prior to the Cheltenham semi...

Ben Waine: “I think I've been lucky. I've been involved with some really big games. My first league game was Bolton, then I played in Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich. I've been chucked in at the deep end, but don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want it any other way. It really kind of opened my eyes to what football's like over here and the standard of the top [League One] teams and decent championship teams would be like.

I always knew it was going to be a challenge; don't get me wrong about that. Regardless of where you play, there's always going to be ups and downs. Up until about two weeks ago, I don't think I'd settled in completely, but now I’ve moved into my apartment, and I think it's now just getting into the normal rhythm of things.

When I first arrived, everything was like a hundred miles. You're constantly on cloud nine with everything going on and everything being new, you kind of forget about everything in the background. Now I've kind of started to settle in, it’s not that I'm on a low or anything like that, but everything's slowed down a little bit more. It’s now not putting too much pressure on myself; I need to understand that it's going to take time for myself as well. I’m in a better place than I was before and I'm ready to kick on.”

With that context in mind, Plymouth Argyle controlled large portions of the Cheltenham game but struggled to turn their overwhelming possession into goals thanks in large part to the CT goalie who had a great first half. Also thanks to a disallowed goal, a flicked header from a corner that was ruled out for an offside player interfering with the keeper. Bit frisky to still be level at the break... yet it got much worse soon afterwards when they coughed the ball up cheaply under pressure at the back and Alfie May swished home for Cheltenham. Assist from Aidan Keena – former teammate of Max Mata and Nando Pijnaker at Sligo Rovers, coincidentally.

That led to a triple change but Waine wasn’t amongst those shedding their bibs. Ryan Hardie was though, and fifteen mins after they’d conceded he concluded a sharp counter attack with a super chipped finish to tie things back up after 63 mins. Further changes followed. Still no Waine. No extra time either so despite Plymouth hitting the post late on it was going to require spotties to separate the teams. Both went two for two to begin. Then Argyle blinked first as Finn Azaz hit the woodwork. However Callum Burton delivered the goods with consecutive saves and when Jordan Houghton missed the chance to send Plymouth through with their fifth, old mate Burton took care of that as well by making it three saves in a row. 3-2 to Plymouth in the shootout after a 1-1 draw in the game itself. The Pilgrims are going to Wembley.

Waine then once more missed out on the matchday squad entirely as Plymouth went down 5-2 away against Peterborough back in League One. Poor day out for them, going two down inside twenty mins and never quite clawing their way back. A disappointing performance and a disappointing result which has allowed Sheffield Wednesday to move three points clear at the top of the division with a game in hand. Second-place is still automatic promotion but that gap to Ipswich Town in third is now only five points.

Up Next: Plymouth Argyle vs Charlton at 4am on Sunday (NZT)

Alex Greive - St Mirren (Scottish Premiership)

Stephen Robinson, St Mirren Manager: “We are hoping it will not be quite so serious but it will still be three weeks. We were fearing it could maybe be an end-of-season job. But we are looking at three to four weeks with Alex. So that is a huge boost for us considering we don't have loads and loads of options.”

Good news there. Not sure that window will get him back into contention for the All Whites but it does mean he should be back comfortably in time to help finish off the campaign. The Buddies drew 1-1 away to ten-man St Johnstone this week thanks to an 86th minute Alex Gogic equaliser.

Up Next: St Mirren vs Celtic at 1am on Monday (NZT)

Tommy Smith – Colchester United (English League Two)

Say that’s nice. Hundy up for The U’s.

Alas, they went down 1-0 to Northampton Town – a team chasing promotion but who’d been out of form with no wins from four prior. Colchester are currently without a manager after Matt Bloomfield quit last week to take over at Wycombe Wanderers instead.

The rest of the League One crew didn’t go much better as none of them tasted victory this week. However there was a 2-2 draw for Max Crocombe’s Grimsby Town against Leyton Orient, who are top of the ladder. A few saves in there for MC although he was pretty messy with his distribution in the first half, contributing to the opening goal against them. Grimsby also had a midweek 0-0 draw against Harrogate to keep the points ticking over. Also gotta mention that their massive FA Cup fifth rounder away to Southampton takes place on Thursday morning at 8.15am. Mark that one on the calendar.

As for Nik Tzanev... they lost 2-1 to Gillingham. Took the lead early in the second half through Ali Al-Hamadi (52’) but were losing by the 68th minute. Some decent moments for Tzanev in there but a disappointing result against a team below them on the ladder. Also had a 3-2 defeat this morning against Stevenage so no additions to the clean sheet tally lately.

So that’s where all that’s at. Might as well mention that Jamie Searle was on the bench against for Barnsley in League One. He’s made four matchday squads in the month of February since Jack Walton left for Luton at the end of the last transfer window. Harry Isted did join on loan back the other way so Searle is still the third choice for at least the rest of this season but number one Bradley Collins has been out injured lately.

Up Next: 4am on Sunday it’s Bradford City vs Colchester United (NZT)

Michael Woud – Kyoto Sanga (Japanese J-League)

The J-League season has begun and Kyoto Sanga, who barely avoided relegation last season (needing a playoff to survive), have lost both games without scoring a goal. 2-0 to Kashima Antlers and 1-0 to Nagoya. Michael Woud hasn’t been a part of either match as he’s found himself stuck in the same third-string situation that he was last term.

That’s despite last year’s top choice keeper Naoto Kamifukumoto being sold to Kawasaki Frontale in January. Would’ve hope that everyone moved up a spot at that point but instead they brought in Werner Hahn on a free transfer. Tomoya Wakahara has also remained with the club, he was their top gloveman when they were in the second tier but became backup behind Kamifukumoto last season in J1. Wakahara has started the two league games so far with Woud and Hahn each spending one match on the bench – funny coincidence about Werner Hahn is that he spent a season with Ryan Thomas at PEC Zwolle back in 2014-15.

Woud didn’t play a J-League game last season, his seven appearances all coming in the various cup competitions. Mostly in their Emperor’s Cup run but also a couple in the League Cup. Well, their first League Cup group stage match is next week so that’s the one to watch to see where Woud sits in this squad.

Up Next: The one that matters is Wednesday 11pm against Gambo Osaka in the J-League Cup (NZT)

Michael Fitzgerald – Albirex Niigata (Japanese J-League)

Tell you what though, Michael Woud might not be getting the desired game time quite yet but there is another kiwi lad in the Japanese top flight to soothe those concerns. Michael Fitzgerald is back! The 34yo has been doing his thing in Japan for more than a decade now, long ago switching his citizenship to Japan in order to aid his club career (though at the expense of being able to add to his three All Whites caps).

It was at Albirex Niigata that he broke through, leading to a move to power club Kawasake Frontale who won the league twice in his three years there but injuries prevented him from ever really breaking into the side as he made 11 appearances in all competitions. So in 2019 he moved back to Albirex Niigata, who had been relegated to the second tier in the interim. Fitzgerald has been a regular for that lot ever since... and last term they surged back into J1 as the champions of the second tier. Fitzgerald was picked as a starting centre-back in the J2 Team of the Season.

Fitzy didn’t play this most recent week but he did do the full ninety in the opening gameweek, operating at centre-back in a 2-2 draw against Cerezo Osaka. Aussie Thomas Deng took his spot for the second match though, the pest. To be fair, they did win that game. Four points from two games. Quality start to life back in the top division.

Up Next: Niigata vs Consadole Sapporo on Saturday at 6pm (NZT)

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