Green Island v South City Royals 

Shane Carvell appreciates that the final two fixtures of the ODT Southern Premiership are crucial, “Every game has something riding on it and it’s first against second.” Carvell hopes his team have recovered from last weekend’s Chatham Cup exit, “We’re focussing on trying to right a few wrongs that came up in that game.” Carvell hopes that playing at Sunnyvale will boost his squad, “We want to be able to leverage our home advantage a little bit and both teams will want to put in their all.” After weeks of disruption due to players undergoing exams this Saturday Carvell has most of his squad at his disposal, “This week barring injury, the exams won’t affect my starting XI on Saturday, we have to focus on what we want to do.”  

The Royals sit atop of the table having already clinched the Championship. Coach Richard Murray wants to see his side maintain the momentum they have and continue to build ahead of the Southern League beginning on the 17th July. Murray appreciates that second placed Green Island will be amped ahead of Saturday’s match at Sunnyvale, “GI are going to come out firing as they need the win to stay in contention to qualify for the Southern League.” The Royals coach acknowledges that both teams will have reduced squads due to student holidays, “That's nothing new and happens every year. You have to be prepared, and adapt which we have done.” Catch Royals Keeper Liam Whittaker on this week’s episode of Football Chat. 

Wanaka v Roslyn Wakari 

Wanaka are at home again following last weekend’s cup exit at the hands of South City Royals. Ian Bell and his team turn their attention back to the Otago Daily Times Men’s Southern Premiership, “We’re focussed on gaining points this weekend against 3rd placed Roslyn who we know will be out to cement a top 3 finish.” Bell hopes to his side adopt an increasingly optimistic approach, “A more positive mindset at both ends of the pitch must be shown for us to give ourselves a chance of winning games.” 

Terry Boylan is relishing the trip to Central Otago to face Wanaka, ‘They’re going to be a hard team to play and they’re tracking well at home.” Boylan appreciates that the travel is an additional factor for his squad, “Wanaka are a good side and thery’re well coached, it’s ahard task with travel but I’m sure the boys will handle it.” At this crucial stage of the season Boylan hopes that his sides efforts come to fruition, “If we qualify it’s massive, it’s a good group of young players, most of our players are 16,17,18 with some more experienced players too. We’re in charge of our own destiny so we don’t need to worry about anyone else.” 

Otago University v Queenstown 

Darren Hart’s Varsity side will have been bolstered by last weekend’s 5-1 victory over Green Island in the Chatham Cup. Hart will be hoping his side can build on the momentum from that win, as they have lost two of their last three games in the ODT Southern Premiership, Hart explains, “Coming off a good result last week and getting some numbers on the score sheet has added a good degree of confidence, it's just a shame that this has been broken up somewhat by the numbers we will have available.” Like most teams, Hart will be without several key players, “It’s a big game for us but we will be very short due to holidays and will be drawing heavily on the rest of the club over the next few weeks.” To remain in contention for a top three spot and a place in the Southern League, University need to pick up points. If they lose and Green Island and Roslyn Wakari both win, Varsity’s hopes of qualification will be extinguished, “We know these games are all must wins now if we want to keep control of our own destiny and finish in the top 3.” 

Queenstown’s Jamie Whitmarsh is excited for his side’s trip to the Turf, “I always enjoy playing Varsity because they play the game in a way I really appreciate.” Whitmarsh appreciates that Saturday’s match is a must-win game for Darren Hart’s side, “They had a cracking win last weekend, they’ll be buzzing. There’s so much on it for them, they need a win, they'll have done the maths, they’ll be really up for it.” Whitmarsh’s side will include some new faces this weekend, “We know our fate we just need to turn up and have a good time , it won’t be a dull game!” 

Mosgiel v Northern  

Mosgiel coach Cam McPhail is excited to return to action this weekend against Northern. McPhail’s squad has been heavily impacted the University holidays, “We will be fielding a much changed lineup from last time out.” McPhail’s team hope to improve on their last result, a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Roslyn Wakari, “The lads have trained well this week and are motivated to put in a good performance vs Northern after a disappointing performance and result in our last game.” Mosgiel duo Matt Kelly and Rahan Ali have taken the reigns of Football Chat from longstanding host Morgan Jarvis, catch the latest episode here.  

Northern coach Arran Wilkinson is expecting a difficult encounter at Memorial Park with Mosgiel’s recent results seeing them win five out of their last seven fixtures, “It'll be a tough game so we'll see what we can do.” Like most teams in the ODT Southern Premiership, Northern will be missing several players due to exams and still have players out due to suspension. Wilkinson is confident his team will muster a good display, “We’ll work our arses off and do everything we can to influence the game.” 

Otago Daily Times Women’s Southern Premiership 

Mosgiel v Roslyn Wakari 

Malcolm Roberts is excited ahead of this weekend’s game with Roslyn and hopes his players can step up to the occasion, “While it sees us missing a few regulars it also provides exciting opportunities for others.” Mosgiel have been bolstered by the signing of Erin Dickie from Tech, “Her attacking skills are a much welcome addition to the team.” 

Roberts hopes the determination of his team will be enough to combat Roslyn’s strengths, “While key to our approach will be trying to contain Renee, there are plenty of threats throughout the Roslyn side.” the Mosgiel coach hopes to see his side continue to create good changes, “We hope to build pressure by looking to capitalise on the increasing attacking opportunities we are creating, which should make it an enjoyable match to watch.” 

Roslyn Wakari will be hoping to secure points against Mosgiel this weekend. The club were delighted to hear the news that Hayley Julian has been selected for the New Zealand U20’s camp, with coach Hamish Philip extending his congratulations, “We’re over the moon that Hayley has made the U20’s squad, we’re so excited for her!” Roslyn’s first choice goalkeeper Hayley is still out with an injury and Una Madden will don the gloves for this weekend’s fixture. Philip’s side are plagued with several injuries, “We’re not sure who’s going to be in the bench this week, we may ask a few of the older players to come in.” Philip is not allowing injuries to dampen his side’s spirts, “There’s a real positive attitude from the girls. Tuesday was a great training session run by Steve, hopefully we can carry that momentum forward to this weekend!” 

Green Island v Queenstown 

Green Island will be hoping to reverse their recent run of form having lost three on the bounce. Queenstown come into the match having won 4 of their last 5 encounters, including a 1-0 win over second placed Otago University Premiers. Mark Ford will be hoping his side can continue their recent form and will look to young Keeley Osborne in attack who scored her first senior hat-trick in last weekend's 4-0 victory over Uni B's. Catch Green Island Keeper Tessa Nicol on this week’s episode of Football Chat.  

Otago University v Dunedin Tech 

In a repeat of last week’s Round 3 Kate Sheppard Cup clash, the league’s top two teams will face each other on Saturday. Despite their 6-0 loss in the Cup, Stuart Moffatt’s Varsity showed resilience throughout despite missing several key players including Lena de Ronde and Amy Hislop. Varsity’s selection woes continue with many players unavailable due to Uni holidays. Coach Stu Moffatt is doing his utmost to muster as many players as possible ahead of Saturday’s match.  

Dunedin Tech are also affected by holidays and exams, with Craig Johnston explaining “We have five out with exams, some of our big guns will be out due to other commitments, but we have a good squad and a lot of the younger ones are going to get some good gametime and put their hands up when the opportunity arises.” Despite remaining undefeated this season, Johnston still thinks there is room for improvement, “We still need to work on our finishing and passing game, it’s all about keeping the momentum going.” The Tech coach was also pleased with his side’s home encounter in the Quarter Final of the Kate Sheppard Cup against Coastal Spirit. The game will take place at the Turf at 1230 on Saturday 10th July. 

Article added: Thursday 24 June 2021