The penultimate round of the Southern League, being played out over the weekend, has plenty riding on the results, with five teams still chasing a top-two finish to qualify for the National League. The Federation champions go head-to-head at Garrick Memorial Park, at Midday. Mainland Premiers - Cashmere Technical need a point to wrap up the title, with the Football South champions - South City Royals, currently in second place on goal difference, requiring at least a point to go into the final round to keep the pressure on the other sides chasing a top-two finish. At the same time, third-placed Coastal Spirit host fifth-place Selwyn at English Park, with Coastal currently two points clear of Selwyn, so the pressure is on the Stallions to take the three points. Christchurch United travel south to take on Green Island at Sunnyvale Park at 12:30 pm, with United still in the hunt for a top-two finish. United, like Selwyn, needs to claim maximum points from their final two games and then rely on both the Royals and Coastal to drop one of their games. On Sunday at 10:30 am, Nelson Suburbs entertain Otago University at Saxton Field, with both chasing the win to climb up the table. 

Technical will be out to claim the title, knowing that a point will be enough to claim the silverware in what should be an entertaining clash. Both teams returned after the Covid break to secure wins, Tech over Suburbs, with the Royals claiming a vital victory over Coastal. The clash has been robbed, seeing the leagues two top scorer's, Garbhan Coughlan (seven goals - one ahead of Ryan Fleming), would be going head-to-head in the race for the Golden Boot. However, Coughlan has been suspended along with teammate Luke Tongue, which may act in the Royals favour. Still, with Tech captain Tom Schwarz running out for his 250th appearance for the club, his teammates will be out to make sure he has plenty to celebrate after the game.  

Form: Technical W L W W W W              Royals L W W L W  

Coastal will be out to maintain their winning home run in the league when they take on Selwyn, knowing that if the Royals do not topple Technical, they will control their own destiny going into the final round if they defeat Selwyn. Coastal came from behind to win the first encounter in the Mainland League 3 - 1 over Selwyn, but the Stallions defeated Coastal 4 - 1 away in the reverse fixture and with the Hurley Shield also on the line, Selwyn have plenty to play for. 

Form: Coastal W W L W L                   Selwyn W L L W D

United's 5 - 0 win over University kept alive their hopes of returning to National League football. They will be expected to topple Green Island, who sit at the foot of the table, with the Dunedin side claiming their first point when drawing with Selwyn last Saturday. Eddie Wilkinson, the star of United's win in the previous round, will be out to continue that form against his former club.  

Form: Green Island L L L D                   United L D W L W    

Both Suburbs and University will be playing for pride when they meet on Sunday. Suburbs will be looking to secure their first home win of the league, and University will be out to find their scoring touch again after struggling to find the back of the net in their last three outings, which has seen them drop down the table after sitting on the top after the first two rounds.

Form: Suburbs D L L W L                     University W W L L L            

Written by Gavin Searle. 
Article added: Thursday 23 September 2021