Otago Daily Times Men’s Premiership 

South City Royals v Roslyn Wakari  

A crucial game for both sides that are hoping to claim one of the top three spots in the Otago Daily Times Men’s Premiership. South City Royals Coach Richard Murray is hoping his side can get back on track after last week’s loss away to Wanaka, "After a disappointing result last week, we will be looking to bounce back at home.” Murray knows that Roslyn are a resilient side and that they will prove to be tough opposition, “Terry's side have battled away whilst carrying injuries, so with those players filtering back in, we are under no illusions about the task at hand.” Royals’ coach Murray hopes that his side can consistently convert chances, “The key for us will be our finishing, which let us down against Wanaka". 

Roslyn Wakari’s coach Terry Boylan is excited to face top of the table South City Royals, “It’s quite a close league, it’s anyone’s at the moment.” Boylan knows that the Royals will be riled up after last weekend’s loss to Wanaka, “It’ll be tight, Richard will have had some stern words after last weekend, it’s a tough time to face the Royals!” Catch Terry in this week’s episode of McDonald’s Football Chat here.  

Green Island v Mosgiel  

Shane Carvell was pleased with his side’s display against Northern, especially with their 4 goals in the first half. Carvell is looking forward to the ‘Battle of the Saddle’, “Traditionally, it’s always been a close and tight affair. There's always a bit of healthy rivalry, going to be an interesting weekend.” Like many squad, Carvell is negotiating through niggles and injuries but is bolstered by playing at home. The Green Island coach respects that Mosgiel are in the midst of some good results, “Cam will have the confidence from their recent results. they seem to be hitting some form, so they won’t be an easy proposition.” 

Mosgiel will be looking to continue their strong recent form with Saturday’s Sunnyvale derby. Coach Cam McPhail is confident his team can maintain the intensity they’ve shown in recent weeks, “We'll be asking our lads for more of the same effort and application, after pleasing performances over the last couple of weeks.” McPhail appreciates that Green Island are quality opposition, “With the talent GI have on their books, and with home advantage, they obviously go into the game as favourites. We'll being doing our best to cause another upset.” Mosgiel are without Lewis Wall but other than his absence, McPhail has a full squad to select from. 

University v Wanaka 

University will be looking to right their recent run of poor results. Their squad is still slightly depleted and they will be without the suspended Tim O’Farrell for the Wanaka encounter. Yung-Sun Chang and Arnon Tapp are still unavailable due to injury. 

Wanaka overcame top of the table South City Royals in last weekend’s encounter at the Rec Centre. Coach Ian Bell was delighted with Saturday’s performance, “We feel as a group we are continually improving game by game which is very pleasing for the coaching staff.” Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash with University, Bell is expecting a tough visit, “University away on the Turf is another challenge we look forward to and we expect them to be back to their best on their home ground. With the results last week tightening the table up, it's another must win game for both teams.” 

Queenstown v Northern 

Queenstown will go into this weekend’s clash with increased confidence following their victory over Roslyn Wakari last weekend. Coach Jamie Whitmarsh was delighted with his team’s efforts, “It was the sort of performance we’ve been searching for, for much of the season. We were excellent, the way we went about our work was pleasing.” Whitmarsh knows that Northern will give Saturday’s fixture their all, “Arran is a top lad and he will have them fired up to take the trophy, the pressure is on us with the Blair Davidson shield, people will want to take it off us, we have to appreciate that. Whitmarsh has been impressed by Northern under Wilkinson this season, “They’ve started to pick up points and win games and they’re well respected.”  

Northern will be hoping to add to their points tally away to Queenstown. The side are much improved under Arran Wilkinson and will be looking to disrupt Queenstown’s run of form. 

Otago Daily Times Women’s Premiership 

Tech v Queenstown 

Dunedin Tech will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run in the league which now stretches over 110 games. Queenstown are a bogey team for Tech and Tech have been unable to dominate them in the same manner they often overcome other teams in the league. Tech coach Craig Johnston explains, “We've always struggled against Queenstown, we’ve never put in a 100% performance against them. The highest margin win we’ve had against them is 5-0 but they’re niggly and hard to break down.” Tech are weary of Queenstown and Johnston has several injuries within his squad, “Tahlia Roome is on crutches after injury with Southern United, she’ll be out for a couple of weeks. We’ve a few niggles in the squad and when you add the formal season into the mix, we’re a few down.” It is worth noting that loyal servant of the club, Coral Seath, will be playing her last game in maroon as she heads overseas. The Tech stalwart has played well over a hundred games for the club and will be sorely missed. Ruby Anderson will earn her 50th cap this weekend and the club would like to thank Ruby and her family for their dedication to the club. Ruby travels down from Timaru for training and matches. Congratulation on your achievement Ruby! Be sure to watch this week’s episode of McDonald’s Football Chat to see Kelsey Kennard preview this weekend’s fixtures. 

Queenstown coach Mark Ford has been delighted with his side’s turnaround in form, “We’re happy with our recent performances and concentrating on that, our focus is to keep improving and enjoying it.” Ford believes last weekend’s stint away in Dunedin was both good for team building and good fun. Ford’s side are enjoying their football and he is not too worried by several absences in his squad for this weekend’s match against top of the table Tech. 

Mosgiel v Green Island  

Green Island will be hoping to return to winning ways against Mosgiel after their two game winning streak came to an end with a loss to Queenstown on Sunday, with GI’s coach Matthew Holdridge explaining “The girls are keen to make amends following a defeat to Queenstown in the last round. That game is behind us now and they want to put in a strong performance against Mosgiel.” Holdridge believes that Mosgiel will be formidable opponents, “Mosgiel will be up for the game and will continue to show plenty of passion and determination on the pitch.  We'll take nothing for granted against them.” 

Mosgiel will be hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 loss to Uni Seconds, coach Malcolm Roberts was disappointed by the defeat, “We’re licking our wounds a little bit after last weekend, we wanted to put some breathing space between us and Seconds, we have to find another oppurtunity to get some points.”  Mosgiel have been bolstered by the recent return of Aine Kelly and Emma Deaker, “Everyone is working to make sure their putting their best foot forward on a weekly basis to make the team.” Roberts knows Green Island will be difficult to overcome, “We know GI from the first time out and we’ve seen them play a few times, they have their particular style. We ha to adapt rather than succumb, if we can adapt, we will be competitive.” 

Premiers v Seconds  

Premiers sit second in the table and will be hoping to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Queenstown last weekend. Seconds will go into the match with increased confidence following their 2-1 victory over Mosgiel that lifted them from the bottom of the table.  

Article added: Thursday 27 May 2021