Central vs Western Springs

Returning from the others realms to bless us with its presence once again, the 2023 National League kicked off on a soggy Palmerston North afternoon with the freshly-crowned Kate Sheppard Cup champions up against the perennial wooden spooners. Central always have a tough time of it, usually rolling out the youngest squad in the comp and therefore having to deal with some inglorious hidings along the way. This season seems to be no different with another crop of fresh faces making WNL debuts. And Western Springs didn’t exactly let them off easy either – naming nine of the eleven starters from that cup final a fortnight earlier.

The two changes were Kitty Jacob getting a run in central defence (in place of Jaedeci Uluvili), and also Celia Mayo replacing Megan Lee at left back. Both of them are 19 years of age, in fact Jacob went close to making the U20 World Cup squad last year. Hence it was Mickey Mitchell in goal (a USA import), Tiana Hill, Kitty Jacob, Lily Jervis, and Celia Mayo in the back four. Lily Taitimu held the midfield down with Jess Innes and Liz Savage ahead of her, then came the star trio of Sofia Garcia, Sammi Tawharu, and Lara Colpi up top. WSAFC did notably include last year’s Japanese icons Rina Hirano and Arisa Takeda in their wider squad but neither of them were here just yet after spending recent months playing in Canada. We’ll see how that goes. At least that was one mercy for Central.

Both of these teams have two players away with the NZ U16s right now. Ela Jerez and Charli Dunn for WSAFC. Isla Cleall-Harding and Sophie Campbell for Central. Campbell’s absence opened the door for Leonie Heck to start in goal (apparently she was born in Germany, if you were wondering about the name). In front of her was a quartet of Pip Coakley, Sarah Swinbanks, Shannon Newlyn, and Ruby-Aroha Gurnick. Grace Smith adn Lizzie Ingham brought a little more experience to the midfield with Ashleigh Gill, Maddison Hughes, and Charlotte Noakes supporting striker Mikaela Bouwmeester. The only ones from that XI who were involved in 2022 were: Coakley, Hughes, Smith, and Newlyn. However Noakes and Bouwmeester have also featured in the recent past.

This was not a question of ‘if’ but of ‘how much’. And the calculators were being prepared when Central coughed up the ball in midfield and Sofia Garcia took advantage with a curling first-time finish to open the scoring for the 2023 season a mere 35 seconds into proceedings. That did nooooot take long. A sneaky couple touches from Savage to set it up too. Savage then nearly scored herself as she lifted a cut-back from Garcia over the top.

Central weren’t so bad though. They knew where their outlets were. Bouwmeester held the ball up nicely. Threatening the Springs defence was another matter entirely but it’s not like they were under constant pressure themselves. Thing is, Western Springs aren’t really a team that’ll set up camp. They prefer a bit of room to run. Liz Savage had them sweating as she almost stole an underhit backpass while Garcia was burning Coakley for pace (as she does to most players tbf). Then Savage did the same thing on the other side and slid a gentle square ball for Sammi Tawharu to tap in after 16 mins.

Tawharu wanted another a little bit after but that whipping effort was palmed off by Heck, who then managed to scramble the rebound out for a corner with a few others lurking. Alas, that particular corner kick ended up with Sofia Garcia sneaking in her second goal with a scrambly back post touch. And that’s where it began to get messy.

Springs began to tighten their grip with quick recycling of possession and a variety of threats. Tawharu drilled a leftie shot wide. Garcia’s next was saved 1v1 after a super pass from Savage. Garcia also ballooned an effort that was almost identical to the one she’d scored after 35 seconds. Savage didn’t get proper contact on a header. Then, finally, because that fourth goal was inevitable, Lara Colpi got to the byline and popped over a low cross for Liz Savage to do the rest. Two minutes later Savage angled a deep cross towards the same spot where Garcia pounced for her third. Ruthless.

An injury to Bouwmeester, colliding with the goalie, was certainly not what Central wanted to see next. However it did allow them a break to reset and MB was able to continue after a check of her shoulder. In fact she almost scored moments later. It was Grace Smith who made the dart out of midfield to get in behind the lines, then chop back low to Bouwmeester around the penalty spot... yet Mitchell made the save. Not quite the precision finish that was required. 5-0 at half-time.

Nothing too fancy from there. The heavens opened up at Massey University with a steady drizzle continuing the rest of the way. Tawharu nearly scored inside of two minutes of second half action but instead hit the post from a small angle off Colpi’s cross. But there’s no reason to keep listing chances at this point so let’s just stick to the goals... of which there were three more.

Goal Ono came in the 61st minute. A long range free kick won by Liz Savage, which Lara Colpi lined up for a crack. She didn’t hit it great. But Heck made a wreck of it on the bounce and it crept in. Colpi had already done a bunch of classy things this game and looked a bit embarrassed to have scored from a partial miss-hit. You make your own luck, as they say. The slippery surface may have also been a factor. Anyway, that goal allowed Springs to clear the bench all the way down to reserve goalie Angelique TuiSamoa. Also on were Rhee Morrison, Jaedeci Uluvili, and Cleo Carmichael. Off went Mickey Mitchell, Lily Jervis, Liz Savage, Lara Colpi. Anija Irvine was the only sub left... must be annoying when literally the entire bench is subbed on except for you (but she didn’t have to wait much longer).

Goal Whitu was scored by one of those subs. Rhee Morrison with the snapshot after a delicious reverse pass from Tawharu. May have taken a very slight deflection which would explain Heck misjudging the trajectory. Morrison is 17 years old and looks even younger. She made one substitute appearance last year and scored in a 9-0 win over Central. Now she’s done the same thing again (except only in an 8-0 win).

Goal Waru, mercifully, didn’t arrive until nearly the end. There had been plenty of chances, including a Bouwmeester punt that was very well saved by TuiSamoa to preserve the clean sheet she’d inherited. But eventually Tiana Hill, who got some midfield minutes after Anija Irvine’s introduction at right back, collected a loose touch and threaded for Garcia who made it four for the personal tally. 89th minute. That’s where it reached a conclusion.

Four goals for Sofia Garcia. A goal and three assists for Liz Savage. Sammi Tawharu got a goal and an assist, as did Lara Colpi. This was an emphatic victory for Western Springs... who will be fully aware that tougher challenges will follow but they can’t complain about how they’ve started. Kitty Jacob had a tidy game in defence while Tiana Hill looked just as exciting as she did in the cup final. The midfield duo of Lily Taitimu and Jess Innes functioned smoothly. Yeah this team is going to be a problem for anyone.

There is some reason for Central positivity despite it all. It is a concern that they don’t have a prodigious central defender like they usually do (Jana Niedermayr, Lara Smith, etc.) but Grace Smith is a proven WNL force and she was more than useful in that midfield while Mikaela Bouwmeester gives them the presence up top that they lacked a year ago. Maddi Hughes is a big talent. And they did play some bright football at times, looking to build up from the back, looking to get runners into space in the other half. Central are probably going to add another wooden spoon to the collection but they have the tools to surprise a few folks along the way. Hopefully they do... because the ever-evolving league format means this might be the last we see of them.

Central 0-8 Western Springs

Goals (Assists):

1’ | WS | 0-1 | Garcia (Savage)

17’ | WS | 0-2 | Tawharu (Savage)

24’ | WS | 0-3 | Garcia

36’ | WS | 0-4 | Savage (Colpi)

38’ | WS | 0-5 | Garcia (Savage)

61’ | WS | 0-6 | Colpi

63’ | WS | 0-7 | Morrison (Tawharu)

89’ | WS | 0-8 | Garcia (Hill)

Ellerslie AFC vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves

It’s fitting that the draw pitched these two against each other in week one as both clubs were making their National League debuts. Ellerslie did the hard mahi and qualified fourth in the NRFL Premier Division whereas the Phoenix Reserves were given an automatic spot, same as how it works on the men’s side. Except the Men’s Reserves get to familiarise themselves with their Central League rivals throughout the year. The Women, on the other hand, have spent the winter playing against boy’s U17s teams so this was a different task on that count too... but luckily the A-League squad were able to spare a couple of hearty comrades for the trip up to Michael’s Avenue in Auckland.

Most notably: Mackenzie Barry. Was expecting maybe a scholarship player or two, which was indeed the case with Manaia Elliott and Zoe McMeeken included in the eleven. Emma Main’s addition wasn’t out of the blue either given how much she’s played with the ressies in the past. But Barry is prepping for her third full year in the A-League and is a capped international. Perhaps she needed the preseason run. Perhaps they figured they didn’t have enough ex-Central players already. Perhaps it was serendipitous alignment.

Barry lined up in central defence alongside Marie Green, herself an Ellerslie player prior to joining the Nix Academy. And their formation was a funky one. The Nix kept it very fluid as their possession-orientated footy often left them without any visible fullbacks. They basically operated with wing-backs in a defensive four. Zoe McMeeken and Emma Main were the wide players but McMeeken spent most of her time in midfield and Main spent most of it up front. Occasionally Lara Smith would drop in as a third CB but she was mostly in the midfield alongside Ella McMillan who wore the armband. Manaia Elliott combined with McMeeken over on the left. Grace Bartlett did similar things on the right (but more centrally). 15 year old Sienna Candy worked off Ella McCann up top. Goalkeeper was Charlotte Eagle. The shape was imbalanced but the plan was rock-solid. Fascinating stuff from Katie Barrott’s team.

As for Ellerslie, NRFL golden boot winner (and 2018 U17 World Cup rep) Britney Cunningham-Lee was the main feature up front. She was supported by wingers Cilla Fa’afu and Kathryn Gow. Brazilian playmaker Marilia Rocha sat behind them with Lyric Davison and Hollie Leona in midfield. A back four of: Courtney Beale, Kimberley Oosterbeek, Tayla Hawes, and Abby Wright. Captain Petra Wedlake wore the gloves. Not a huge amount of experience on this stage there, although there were one or two who donned the Auckland Federation jersey in days of yore.

It must have been unknown territory for these two because there was a free kick given from the opening kickoff. Not sure what happened, it seemed to be whatever the kickoff version of a foul throw is. Mark that down as an ignominious beginning. After that wee hiccup... the Welly Nix swiftly began calling the shots. Emma Main had some slick involvements in her hybrid fullback/winger role... she effectively played two positions and it was her pace and directness and technical class that allowed her to do so. Manaia Elliott’s not too shabby herself and she cut in from the left and blasted a shot off the top of the crossbar after six minutes. Ellerslie were on the ropes. The Nix were attacking with only those two defenders back thus they had options galore. Smith had threaded a pass through for Bartlett who squared to McCann who was charged down by goalkeeper Wedlake.

But the Wellington Phoenix were not to be denied for much longer. In the 13th minute it was Emma Main absolutely storming forward, holding off all sorts of defenders, before sliding a pass to the back stick where this time Ella McCann was there to pounce. There it was. 1-0 to the Nix.

Should mention that it looked bloody windy, and rather chilly too, down the hill there at Michael’s Ave. Just putting that out there before mentioning that in the 24th minute the Welly Nix scored again and it came as Emma Main fired a long range free kick on target... though not to anywhere that should’ve been a problem for Petra Wedlake. Yet PW spilled the ball as it swerved and bounced in front of her and who should be there to pounce upon the extras but Ella McCann once again.

Ellerslie weren’t without hope. The lack of numbers at the back had to have BCL eyeing up some counter-attacking runs... although their first major chance came from a corner kick that Charlotte Eagle didn’t deal with cleanly, in between the first and second goals. A few gasps from the spectators as the ball squeezed out behind her but on the safe side of the post. The Ponies were losing shape against an aggressive and well-drilled Nix team and it took nearly half an hour before they managed a decent spell of possession (and they were already 2-0 down by then). But when they did it was clear that Ellerslie are a much better team than what they were laying down. Blame the nerves or blame the step into the unknown... but there was also plenty of evidence that it may simply have been cosmic forces working against them. Like how Kathryn Gow had to go off injured after 31 mins, granted replacement Vibha Godha did give them a bit of spark with her dribbling abilities.

Emma Main had already set up two goals as she lined up a free kick in the 36th minute in roughly the same spot as the free kick they’d scored from earlier. This time Main didn’t need to worry about goalkeeping fumbles. She smacked this one much sweeter than the last and although it went down the middle of the goal the prodigious dip and swing on the ball left Wedlake, a very good keeper, flapping at not-so-thin air.

Put simply: Emma Main was a class above. A goal and two assists and all sorts of other moments of pizazz. Also noteworthy to see her doing the leadership things and taking control of the team huddle during Gow’s injury stoppage...

It was 3-0 at half-time. The game then resumed in a more cautious form with Ellerslie no longer unprepared for what they were up against. The Ponies managed to slow things down, as well as finding some space in possession, at least until Manaia Elliott chopped infield and forced a good low stop from Wedlake. McCann later stabbed one wide at the near post in search of her hat-trick. Chances never ceased for the WeeSheNix... but now Ellerslie were much improved in dealing with it.

The 62nd minute brought the end of the Nix’s senior ALW contributions with Mackenzie Barry and Emma Main given a rest. Libby McMillan and Georgie Furnell replaced them (with Lara Smith dropping into Barry’s specific position). Without Main doing the mahi of two players, the Nix had a more traditional looking defensive shape. Libby McMillan was not nearly as marauding. However the other McMillan, captain Ella, did thump a loosie off the bar after a corner kick had bobbled around. Closest that the Nix had come to a fourth goal. Meanwhile the 72nd minute took care of the other two first teamers: Elliott replaced by Phoebe Hawes and McMeeken replaced by Rebekah Trewhitt.

Ellerslie had some half-moments when they were able to get the ball into the area. Yet their WNL debut was destined to get worse because in the 77th min Ella McCann fought the ball off a couple of defenders then slipped as she tried to shoot but the slip provided her with enough loop on the shot to drop in over Wedlake for 4-0... and for Ella McCann’s hat-trick. The first two had been tap-ins from the Nelson export. This one was from way outside the box. McCann didn’t score in five appearances for Canterbury last season but she’s knocked plenty of them away for the U19s recently and now here was a Natty League three-for to let the people know.

Mackenzie Greene and Ella McMillan had long shots that threatened. Also Ellerslie’s left CB, Taylor Hawes, seemed to suffer a painful shoulder injury which brought an end to her afternoon. For as much defending as they had to do, Oosterbeek and Hawes seem a pretty sharp combination for the Ponies so hopefully that’s not an injury that rules her out for long. Oosterbeek nudged a header on target in the dying stages that Eagle almost fumbled. The Ponies never got any closer than that. 4-0 was the final score.

The Nix lost a bit of control after running on the subs – not only because of all the changes but also because those were their best players who left the game. But the scoreline gave them the luxury to do that. Also, it ain’t like the subs slowed things down – Trewhitt and Mackenzie Greene both chucked in some crunching tackles (with Greene getting booked for one of hers). The question was: how would this Phoenix team settle into National League football? The answer was: spectacularly. A sophisticated tactical approach and some lovely intricate passing. A couple of older players to apply the polish. One critique is that perhaps a few of their goals had elements of fortune about them which on another day they might not be so lucky with but other days are for other days to worry about. Let the Phoenix bask in a wonderful performance.

You know what though? This Ellerslie team still showed enough to suggest that this is not who they usually are. There were some slick touches in there. A few passing moves progressing from the back to the attack. Already mentioned the weirdness of a few of those Nix goals. Already mentioned that they stepped it up in the second half. Given that we hardly even saw Cunningham-Lee attempt a shot in anger you just know there’s more to come. Looks like a tight-nit group there. Flush the dunny and move on.

Ellerslie 0-4 Wellington Phoenix

13’ | WP | 0-1 | McCann (Main)

24’ | WP | 0-2 | McCann (Main)

36’ | WP | 0-3 | Main

77’ | WP | 0-4 | McCann

By the way, be sure to subscribe to TNC’s Substack newsletter if you haven’t already – including National League Team of the Weeks in both the Monday and Friday editions (one for the fellas, one for the ladies)

Waterside Karori vs Wellington United

The National League debuts continued with the Capital Football representatives now taking the form of clubs. Technically they’re hybrid club teams presented in conjunction with Capital Football – and stylised CF Waterside Karori and CF Wellington United in the official outlets – but the teams were mostly the same, no crazy influx of players (although they are allowed five guest players... not sure if that’s specific to these two clubs or not). It seems the Capital conjunction thing is more of a logistical aid than a football aid so let’s just ignore the CF stylings and let the clubs be themselves.

Waterside Karori are Central League champs. They defended their title by avoiding defeat to Wellington United in the last game of the season via a 1-1 draw. Now a few weeks later they played them again... with United having also lost a Kate Sheppard Cup final in between. Two trophies evading them in the space of two games. Ouch. Martin Luckie Park was the venue. Luscious green grass. Familiar foes. Here we go.

Waterside Karori rode with a 3-5-2 formation. Alisha Perry, picked up from Hamilton Wanderers, was in goal. Capped Footy Fern Sarah Morton helmed the defensive trio alongside Mei Burden and Jessica Shilton. Margot Ramsay, Kennedy Bryant, and Jenna Barry in midfield with Nikki Furukawa and Nicola Ross out wide. Kaley Ward and Grace McRobie up front.

Wellington United were actually quite different compared to the cup final... some would say much improved, thanks to the inclusions of captain Sarah Alder and also Francesca Grange who both missed the KSC finale due to Futsal Ferns stuff. Brooke Assure and Ellie Kabayama were the other alterations. Full line-up went: Assure at GK. Back three of Caelin Patterson, Zoe Barrott, and Alder. Hope Gilchrist was in the midfield with Kabayama and Sammi Preval. Wing-backs Grange and Jemma Catherwood. Pepi Olliver-Bell and Dani Ohlsson were the forwards. Very similar formation to Waterside... it’s as if they each knew what to expect, aye?

The Wharfies laid down some intent with Bryant pinging long passes and Barry pinging a long shot (straight at Assure). Karori seemed to be settling in smoothly with a midfield block and some crisp possession... until Jemma Catherwood skipped past multiple challenges and unleashed Pepi Olliver-Bell who deposited a left-footed effort into the net from the edge of the area. Super goal out of next to nothing. Just a couple of classy young players doing classy things.

With a goal in the bank, the Diamonds began to shine. Their press was suddenly magnetic and it led to a decent look from Ohlsson as well as a cross/shot from Patterson which rocked the crossbar. However WK knew the gameplan. Lots of encouraging noise from their bench. They held their shape and they knew when to jump in... some of those tackles from Sarah Morton, mate, tell ya what. Morts was emphatic at the back. And they had a pretty decent chance when McPhie cut back for Ward, who fired slightly over the top.

Then the game settled into stalemate mode and it stayed there for the rest of the half. These teams were too tactically cohesive to leave much up for grabs and too technically good for any game-busting mistakes. Not even Zoe Barrott’s fifty metres pinpoint switches were enough. Perhaps the fact that these teams know each other so well wasn’t the best thing for a competitive game of football. But then sometimes all it takes is a chance to stop and take stock... Waterside were out early after half-time and they scored early after half-time. 12 seconds from kickoff. Kaley Ward pressed on Patterson and stole the ball and curled in wicked finish. Tenacious work from Ward, showing yet again why she’s one of the best goal scorers in the country.

Five minutes later, the Wharfies subbed on Renee Bacon. Another star forward as they chased victory? Yeah why not. Bacon gave WK more directness and, combined with the goal, it seemed they were taking control. Bacon had a deep thumping free kick tipped over the top. Bryant also forced a save from free kick. A Bacon cross flew above over Ross at the far post. A Ward shot was saved superbly by Assur. Nothing went in though. Same as how nothing went in at the other end as the Diamonds took advantage of WK’s more expansive efforts by finding some counter attacking joy, particularly after Cara Chung and Jemma Robertson were subbed on. Olliver-Bell had a few of those chances too.

Let us not overlook some of the crunching tackles from both teams, damn. This really was a derby. Pick of the bunch was when Francesca Grange slid in near the end, hurt her ankle, had to be helped off the pitch, and as that was happening the ref gave her a yellow card.

A disastrous mistake occurred for Karori with a minute left in regulation time as their keeper passed the ball straight to Robertson who was about twenty yards out and skewed to the right but had the goal at her mercy and she lifted a shot that skimmed off the bar. Huge chance. Might have even had time for a touch.

Nah this one ended in a draw, the same scoreline as when these teams played in that league decider. Points shared. Can’t argue. The first half was a chess match, the second half was a boxing match, and neither side was quite able to separate themselves against a couple of very impressive back threes. Welly Utd made it clear in that KS Cup final how good they are defensively – although one of their defensive heroes that day was Hope Gilchrist who instead gave a fine performance in midfield here. Karori have Sarah Morton though so they’re equally as good. Both teams have plenty of firepower. Both teams seem really well coached. It’ll be sneaky to see who finishes higher up the ladder when it’s all done and dusted.

Waterside Karori 1-1 Wellington United

7’ | WU | 0-1 | Olliver-Bell (Catherwood)

46’ | WK | 1-1 | Ward

Auckland United vs Canterbury United Pride

Auckland United won the NRFL Premier Division title therefore Auckland United should be trying to win the National League title. Makes sense, right? Sure... except they did have the services of Chloe Knott, Marisa van der Meer, and Ruby Nathan during the winter so their squad has been weakened whereas the likes of Western Springs and Eastern Suburbs seem to have stocked up further. It’s going to be a close one.

Auckland United underwent heaps of change in between seasons with an exodus of Northern Rovers players following coach Ben Bate across town. That meant there were lots of names to recognise from an eleven that went: Amberley Hollis in goal; back four of Talisha Green, Chelsea Elliott, Greer MacIntosh, and Maya Vince; midfield trio of Dani Canham, Maisy Dewell, and Manami Nishio; and Rene Wasi up front flanked by Bree Johnson and Alexis Cook. National League quality for days there. Keith Hay Park was the host venue, the home of the Football Ferns during the World Cup.

On the other side, the Canterbury United Pride have lost all their central defenders from recent seasons but they have found some cover. Una Foyle played goalie. Ellena Firth and Lily Fisher were the CBs with Lainey Altieri-Need (USA) on the right and new captain Lara Wall on the left. Chuck in a bit of Darsha Keoghan and Anna McPhie (Nelson Suburbs captain, back from Uni in the States) in midfield with Charlotte Mortlock ahead of them. Lisa Evans and Nicola Dominikovich were the wingers. Then they had Britney-Lee Nicholson up front. Only three CU Pride starters also started the 3-2 win over Auckland United in this fixture last season (Foyle, Wall & Firth). Then again, only one Auckland United player has those two XIs in common (Johnson). A year is a long time in football.

That new-look Pride team started brightly with Mortlock firing an early sighter low and wide, then Dominikovich got one on target from a transitional chance which Hollis saved low despite being slightly out of position. But a bright start is only as good as its outcome and instead it was the home side who opened the scoring. Bree Johnson found an inch of space on the left wing and took a mile and the Cantabs simply didn’t deal with her cross. Wall got a touch but only managed to deflect the ball to Alexis Cook who went bang on the volley and that was 1-0 inside of four minutes.

The Pride didn’t panic... although they might have had Canham been able to finish after Wasi had slipped her into the penalty box. Except she didn’t. Declined the lefty shot, cut back onto the right, still got a clean attempt away... but left it too close to Foyle who pushed it over. But they probably should have panicked when Bree Johnson went on another storming run, beating Altieri-Need and then holding off Firth before picking out Rene Wasi in the middle. Wasi wasn’t going to miss from there. 2-0 to Auckland United after 13 minutes. What a start from the NRFL champs.

Bree Johnson was second top scorer last season with 13 goals. Here she was dishing out assists instead... then almost got one of her own with another direct run, except her shot was saved sharply by Foyle. Fantastic start from Johnson. It had also been a pretty good start from Maisy Dewell in the AUFC midfield, at least until she played an unfortunate pass back to her keeper that was intercepted by Nicola Dominikovich. With only the keeper to beat she chose to take it wide and pass instead. That might’ve been a risky move had the pass been to someone other than Britney-Lee Nicholson, the South Island League’s golden boot. BLN’s first touch wasn’t the best thus she had to dig her shot out... but that shot still beat Hollis to bring the Cantabs back into the match, 2-1 down in the 21st minute.

Aaaaand then they conceded again. This may sound familiar but it began with Bree Johnson making a tormenting run up the left wing. Foyle denied Johnson at the near post but the clearance ended up with Manami Nishio who threw in a sumptuous fake then shot with her left foot instead and although Una Foyle got fingertips to the ball those fingertips were insufficient. Lovely goal from AUFC’s new Japanese signing.

This was the game that kept on giving. Or rather, the teams that kept on giving. Because bloody hell just minutes after that an AUFC goal kick was struck straight at Nicola Dominikovich who took one touch to control then a second to fizz a beauty of a finish into the far bottom corner before Amberley Hollis could recover. Make that 3-2 on 26’.

How long do you think it took for the next goal? If you guessed ‘within five minutes’ then you were wrong because Nishio put her chance wide at the near post within that timeframe. If you said exactly seven minutes then ding ding ding. Auckland United by the usual method... only this time it was right winger Alexis Cook buying herself some room by taking on a defender. Cook squared for Rene Wasi. Easy tap in. This was getting rather silly.

Oh but we weren’t done. The Cantabs won a penalty as half-time neared. Despite Chelsea Elliott seeming to win the ball, the whistle went and the spot was pointed to. Funny thing about that is Elliott and Evans used to be teammates, in fact they both started the 2021 Kate Sheppard Cup final for Hamilton Wanderers before each moving in opposite geographic directions. They did seem to share a laugh about it. Turns out it didn’t matter anyway because Amberley Hollis made a super diving two-handed stop to deny Nicholson’s attempt.

Believe it or not the second half then went goalless. All the drama was jam-packed in the first 45 and after that... not so much. The Pride did make a triple sub on 56 mins with midfield enforcer Whitney Hepburn brought on alongside creative players Chloe Bellamy and Jonelle Arthur. That went well for them as they gained some control in those central areas and therefore cut off the supply link to Johnson and Cook. Then Auckland United made a midfield switch of their own bringing on the velvet touch of Yumi Harashima and suddenly they weren’t turning the ball over in dumb places any longer.

Which isn’t to say that there were no chances. The Pride actually had a fair few. Domikovich had a snapshot saved. Nicholson rose up for a header that dropped into the bread basket of her nemesis Hollis after Dominikovich’s early cross. Another long shot from Dominikovich. Hepburn sliced an opportunistic one wide off a corner kick. The best remaining moment for AU came when substitute striker Shannon Henson put a glancing strike high. However the silliness had evaporated after the break. Canterbury United gave a much better account of themselves while Auckland United managed things smoothly with the lead. It ended 4-2 to AU.

Bree Johnson was unstoppable throughout, it was just a shame she didn’t get a goal of her own to go with the two assists. Auckland United did have some errors in there that they’ll want to iron out but they’re on the board with three points. As for the Cantabs, it looked like they were suffering from the old Federation Team Lag with their disjointed beginnings but they were arguably the better team after the break so they can take a few positives for sure. Chances were there. They just didn’t have the finishing required after digging themselves that early hole. Get Hepburn back into that starting eleven and see what happens.

Auckland United 4-2 Canterbury United Pride

4’ | AU | 1-0 | Cook (Johnson)

13’ | AU | 2-0 | Wasi (Johnson)

21’ | CU | 2-1 | Nicholson (Dominikovich)

22’ | AU | 3-1 | Nishio

26’ | CU | 3-2 | Dominikovich

33’ | AU | 4-2 | Wasi (Cook)

Southern United vs Eastern Suburbs

Must be time to hop on a stream down to Delightful Dunners because Southern United hosted Eastern Suburbs at Logan Park. An intimidating fixture against the defending champions of Aotearoa and yet the Southerners did actually win this tie last year. A 2-1 victory with Emily Morison and Chelsea Whittaker supplying the goals. Neither of them are around this year, in fact they only had three starters in common between those two fixtures. But it’s Southern United so you already know that whoever they pick they’re going to be structured and energetic and bloody tough.

That Southern XI: Amy Simmers in goal. Hannah Mackay-Wright and Samantha Woolley in central defence. Tahlia Roome on the left, Toni Power on the right. Rose Morton captained in midfield alongside Abby Rankin and newcomer Kendrah Smith. The returning Amy Hislop was joined by Margi Dias and Maddy McCormick in attack.

Interesting yarns on the Eastern Suburbs side of things. Since the 2022 grand final they’ve seen Rebekah van Dort move to Canada, Olivia Page move to England, and Deven Jackson move to Australia (pathways are there, folks). They were also without the inimitable services of reigning MVP/Golden Boot Tayla O’Brien for this match (though she is in the squad so presumably an injury or work commitments). But they have re-signed keeper Brooke Bennett for this WNL stage thus their eleven was entirely made up of championship players from last year. Bennett in goal. Kenya Brooke, Saki Yoshida, and Arya Blacker in the back three. Aimee Atkins and Erinna Wong as wingbacks. Midfield was Emma Findlay and Charlotte Wilford-Carroll. Then Nicole Cooper, Zoe Benson, and Nicole Mettam (deputising with the captain’s armband) in the front trio. Huge talent across the park but perhaps missing that senior leadership which served them so well last year.

You’d be forgiven for being concerned about Southern’s fate given how many regulars from the last couple campaigns were unavailable to them this time... but that Next One Up mentality must thrive down south because Southern United looked like Southern United from the get-go. Lots of the initial phases took place in their attacking half. They were aggressive off the ball, putting instant pressure on the Lilywhites, and turning over heaps of possession... then moving it swiftly with quick touches between their forwards. Hislop was keep to show what she learned at college with a few shoulder fakes and heel flicks. That Morton/Smith/Rankin midfield trio was putting in the hard yards. This was a very competitive game.

Albeit a competitive game with minimal chances. Neither side had anything of note until Hislop leant a header high after 11 mins. Eastern Suburbs didn’t fire a shot in anger until in the 18th minute but when they did they probably ought to have scored. Zoe Benson with a killer through ball... but Nicole Cooper opted to cut back onto her right foot and Amy Simmers made it boil with a stunner of a save. She also did well to smother a Yoshida chance off a bobbling corner move. Confident start from Simmers – who played the first two games last season, conceded 13 goals, then didn’t feature again (as SU only conceded 10 goals in their remaining 12 games).

Southern’s urgency was clear to see, rushing with their throws and really trying to keep Eastern Suburbs spinning. It did require a hectic workrate though and maintaining that for ninety minutes is no small ask. Late in the half there was a rare instance of HMW getting caught on the ball. It was Cooper with the hounding press, robbing her and then charging into the area... but she was moving at such pace that she took the wee round thing over the sideline after dribbling past Simmers. Couldn’t capitalise and therefore the teams hit the sheds still scoreless.

Champions teams are champion teams for a reason though. This game ended up being quite similar to the Auckland City vs Wellington Phoenix men’s game where the standard-setters met a young and rebuild/refreshed team with a defined style of play. The defending champs had trouble breaking them down in the first half, then adjusted to Plan B in the second half and were able to find a goal and then manage the match. It was set pieces in both scenarios that gave both ACFC and ES their foothold. Corner kicks and the long throws of Brooke in this case. That allowed for some sustained attacks which meant better territory which meant more control.

Wilford-Carroll looked for a split-second to have scored with a dipping volley but the post got in the way. Nonetheless, the pressure continued from Eastern Subs and it was another set piece outlet that led to busting down of the deadlock. Charlotte Wilford-Carroll had won a free kick near halfway. Kenya Brooke sent it deep into the area. It was partly cleared but CWC fought through contact to win the ball back... and then unleashed a screamer of a shot that flew into the net still rising. Unstoppable.

Suburbs nearly scored again immediately but Mettam’s shot was blocked and then Cooper’s shot was cleared off the line by Tahlia Roome. Next came some subs for Subs, with Sophia Dyer on for Atkins and Emily Gillion on for Benson. Gillion in particular gave them another dose of energy, buzzing around with all sorts of skill in those pink boots – almost scoring with a shot that rustled the side-netting. They’ve picked her up from Fencibles for this National League and she’s wearing Deven Jackson’s old #23 jersey.

To be fair to Southern, they had been trailing at a similar stage of the game when they won against this lot last year so they knew they had the juice. But other than a half-chance for McCormick with twenty to go they didn’t seem to have a lot going for them in attack. Suburbs were looking nice with that back three – especially Yoshida with her smooth touch and composure (she’s usually a midfielder so there ya go). However the home side did muster a few things towards the end. Rankin broke into the area one time, flipping it back to Hislop whose shot had the steam taken out of it by a deflection. Then Kendrah Smith neeearly equalised in stoppage time with a free kick on the left edge (harsh call against Blackler) that she whipped hard towards the near post and Bennett only just managed to turn it wide. Close but not quite.

So it was that Eastern Suburbs began their title defence with a clean sheet victory. That Charlotte Wilford-Carroll banger made all the difference, brought about by a more assertive second half. But damn they had to work for it. Southern can count themselves unlucky not to have taken anything from that contest – considering all those unavailable players and the aforementioned Fed Team Lag (as in: it’s harder for Federation teams who’re starting from scratch against club teams who’ve been together all year) this was a hugely impressive performance.

Kendrah Smith was a centre-back for Canterbury Utd last year. Guessing she’s more advanced than that for West Coast Rangers because she had a barnstormer in midfield for SU. What a signing. Southern may have lost but if they turn up like this every week then that’ll be a rare outcome. Granted, the Lilywhites might’ve been able to flick the switch sooner if they’d had Tayla O’Brien in the team. There’s definitely more to come from there as well.

Southern United 0-1 Eastern Suburbs

57’ | ES | 0-1 | Wilford-Carroll

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