Southern League

Royals Bounce Back in Style with Five-Goal Second Half

Dunedin City Royals travelled to Selwyn looking to rebound from last week's shock loss to Universities, and they did so in emphatic fashion, securing a 5-2 victory in a high-scoring encounter.

The match began promisingly for the Royals when Brady Jacobs struck the post in the 9th minute. However, Selwyn responded strongly with Finlay Cotton opening the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by a Luke Mackay penalty to double their lead just after the half-hour mark. Jacobs volleyed home to reduce the deficit in the 33rd minute, and the Royals nearly equalised before the break.

The comeback was complete in the 73rd minute when Max Davidson rifled home from the edge of the box. Super-sub Charlie Fawcett then put the Royals ahead in the 77th after capitalising on a goalkeeping error. Another substitute, Cato Williams, added a fourth in the 89th minute before Jacobs sealed the win with a stunning long-range effort in injury time.

The result moves Dunedin City Royals into third-equal on a congested table, with five teams all on 13 points.

Elsewhere in the Southern League:

• Wānaka endured more late heartbreak, conceding another late goal to lose 2-1 at home to Ferrymead Bays. Anthony Sprowson had equalised for Wānaka in the 22nd minute, but Kasper Marso scored the 83rd-minute winner for Bays.

• Coastal Spirit closed the gap on Christchurch United to just one point after a thrilling 2-1 win. Mason Stearns gave Spirit the lead with a first-half penalty. United equalised in injury time via a Joel Stevens free kick after Spirit’s keeper Ellis Hare-Reid had to be replaced following a head injury. But in the 100th minute, Riku Ichimura popped up unmarked to net the winner.

• Nomads recorded an impressive 3-0 upset over Nelson Suburbs.

• Cash Tech survived a second-half scare, eventually overcoming Universities 8-4 after leading 4-0.

Women’s South Island League

Royals Edge University in Top-of-the-Table Clash

In a much-anticipated showdown, Dunedin City Royals edged Otago University 1-0 in a gritty contest, thanks to an 18th-minute strike from Amy Hislop. After sustained early pressure, University failed to clear a loose ball, and Hislop pounced from two yards out despite heavy defensive attention.

The Royals dominated possession in the first half, dictating the tempo and asserting physical control. University suffered a setback when Ella Morgan had to be carried off just before halftime. The second half was a more balanced affair, with both teams creating chances but unable to add to the scoreline. The Royals did have a second goal disallowed.

Royals coach Kris Ridley praised his back three for their composure, while University’s Hamish Phillip commended his players' resilience in the face of multiple first-half injuries that forced three substitutions.

The win puts the Royals top with 21 points from seven games, with University three points behind.

In other Women’s League action:

• Roslyn Wakari lost 2-1 in Nelson despite an early goal from Zara Pratley. Nelson hit back with two quick goals before halftime.

• Encouragingly for Dunedin, the league's top six goal scorers all hail from its three clubs, highlighting the city’s growing strength in women's football.

Southern Premiership

Queens Park Win Dramatic Invercargill Derby

Queens Park claimed local bragging rights in a tense Invercargill Derby, beating Old Boys 2-1. Cameron Johnson opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, reacting quickest in a crowded box.

Old Boys equalised in the 81st minute after a long ball forced a defensive error, allowing Jayden Dawson to slot home after the initial shot was blocked. But in the 95th minute, Anton Fitzgerald appeared at the far post to steer in the winner.

Northern extended their perfect start with a 3-0 win over Northern Hearts, led by a first-half brace from Rory Hibbert, who completed his hat trick early in the second half.

Green Island notched their first win of the season with a 3-1 upset over Roslyn at Ellis Park. Seb Smith opened the scoring before Joe Wood equalised. Green Island regained the lead through a Harrison Mclean penalty, and Ryan Walker secured the result with a late tap-in.

Mosgiel capitalised on Roslyn's loss to move into third place, thrashing Dunedin City Royals 6-0. Harvey Stephens led the charge with a hat trick, supported by goals from Reece Butenshaw, Morgan Day, and Kowin Hancock. Day’s headed goal and Stephens’ quick-fire double in the second half were highlights of a dominant display.

Article added: Monday 26 May 2025