Southern League

Otago University v Cashmere Technical 

Otago University’s blistering start to the Southern League came to an end over the weekend after they succumbed to Cashmere Technical. Tech were quick off the mark with former Southern United striker Garbhan Coughlan opening the scoring after 2 minutes. University settled into the game quickly and Ben Deeley came close with Tech keeper Danny Knight just getting a hand to his effort.  

Coughlan dazzled again midway through the second half with a beautiful volley from the outside of his foot whipping past University goalkeeper Neil Achary. Varsity then believed they had scored but the effort was disallowed for a shove on Knight. Varsity’s duo of Oban Hawkins and Ben Deeley continued to cause problems for Tech. Darren Hart’s side came close to scoring again just before halftime with a long-range effort from Tim O’Farrell parried away by Knight. The resulting corner saw a goal-bound effort from En Watanabe cleared off the line.  

Tech led 2-0 at the break and secured their third from a far-out shot from Tom Schwarz that found the back of the net after a deflection. Coughlan slotted home a third with a powerful drive on 76 minutes, securing the victory for Cashmere Technical. 

South City Royals v Nelson Suburbs 

The South City Royals join Cashmere, University and Coastal Spirit at the top of the table with six points following a 3-2 win over Nelson Suburbs. 

South City Royals took control of the game immediately with Ryan Fleming opening the scoring early on following a squared ball from Olivier Cassidy. Nelson soon pulled one back through an effort from Hamish Cadigan. Raven August restored the Royals’ lead a minute later with a low-driven shot into the bottom corner. The Royals led 2-1 at half-time after both sides continued to put pressure on the opposition’s defence. 

The Royals made it 3-1 with 75 minutes played when Ollie Petersen made the most of a weak  clearance and converted his opportunity. Nelson narrowed the margin through an effort from Alex Ridsdale and continued to threaten the Royals defence but Richard Murray’s side held on to secure the 3-2 win and three points.  

ODT Southern Championship

Northern v Queenstown 

Northern continued their excellent form, making it 3 wins from 3 in the ODT Southern Championship. The visitors initially took the lead at Forrester with Jack Niven making the most of the rebound after Zane Green saved the initial effort well. 9 minutes later, Al Julanda Al-Mawali won the ball in his own half and made a mazy run giving himself enough space to grab an equaliser for Northern. Al-Mawali secured his brace soon after with a rocket of a shot giving Northern a 2-1 lead at the break. 

In the second half, Queenstown substitute Michael Dyason made an immediate impact scoring just a minute after coming onto the pitch to draw Queenstown level at 2-2. 20 minutes later, Al-Mawali graced the scoresheet again, securing a hat-trick after scoring from a corner to give Northern all three points.  

Mosgiel v Roslyn Wakari 

Mosgiel stayed in the mix with a win in their final home game of the season over Roslyn-Wakari. Matt Kelly opened the scoring after two minutes before he doubled his tally 14 minutes later. Cody Brook made it three in the latter stages of the first half with Mosgiel leading 3-0 at the break. Sam Cosgrove pulled one back for Roslyn almost immediately after the restart to make it 3-1. The result leaves Mosgiel with two from two going into next weekend's game with Northern whilst Roslyn are still looking for their first points in the ODT Southern Championship.

ODT Women's Southern Premiership

Roslyn Wakari v Green Island 

In the race for the third spot, Roslyn Wakari gave it their all to ensure a top three finish, beating Green Island 1-0. Despite both sides creating an array of chances the score remained locked at 0-0 at half time with Roslyn looking the dominant side. Juliette Lucas scored the only goal of the game in the second half with a clinical finish from outside the box. Roslyn could have added to their lead going close again several times in the latter stages of the match. 

Dunedin Tech Tech v Mosgiel 

Tech were fielding a small squad for Friday night’s match with no one available on the bench. Craig Johnston’s side were reduced to ten players with around twenty minutes played as Georgia Kennedy suffered an injury. Tech still managed to open the scoring with Shontelle Smith getting their first goal after 23 minutes. Nieve Collin furthered their lead with ten minutes of the first half remaining. Tech were reduced to nine for the second half as Nieve had to head off but despite the player deficit, Tech maintained control and accuracy throughout. Mosgiel battled throughout and were relentlessly defending before Tehya Sweeney scored her first goal of the season with 66 minutes gone. Margarida Dias grabbed a fourth after 78 minutes, with Tech emerging with a 4-0 victory. 

Queenstown v Uni Seconds 

Uni Seconds continued their strong end of season form with their second win on the trot. Arnon Tapp’s side overcame Queenstown with a 2-1 victory at the Queenstown Events Centre. Tapp was impressed with his side's performance, "The girls played really well and had good spells of possession. It was probably our best performance of the season, Queenstown are a good side who like to play a good style of football which made for a great game to watch, credit to Mark for the work he's done over the year with his side." Valentina Dias and Joyce O’Brien were the goalscorers for Uni Seconds whilst Madi Mclean struck one home with her left foot for Queenstown. Queenstown Coach Mark Ford reflects that Uni B were impressive, "They came to play and did really well. We were disappointed, but not too down, as we finished our season with a great night, team dinner and all together and with big smiles all round. 

The result sees Seconds leapfrog Mosgiel to sit in sixth place whilst Queenstown miss out on the third-place spot.