Hoy & Hawkes Bay double delight
ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership 2020/21, Week Five & Six Roundup
The ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership got back underway this weekend and fans were quickly given a reminder of how close the teams are this season.
Week Seven Roundup:
Waitakere United 0 – Auckland City 3
Waitakere United were thoroughly outclassed on their home turf by an Auckland City side that could have had six on the day. Mohammed Awad scored early and then hit the crossbar from a curling shot with his left foot in the 18th minute and 30 seconds later he hit the far post with a driven attempt on his right. A second goal deservedly came in the 23rd minute, Logan Rogerson continuing his goalscoring form with a close-range chip over the onrushing Nick Draper. City continued their dominance in the second half, Cameron Howieson turning one, brushing off two and firing home nonchalantly from just inside the 18-yard area. Waitakere struggled to create any clear chances and it was Rogerson who hit the crossbar next in the 68th minute. A lovely cross from left back Alfie Rogers found him at the far post, but Rogerson could not make it a brace. United’s slide down the table continues, while Auckland’s win took them to first on the table on goal difference.
Wellington Phoenix 1 – Canterbury United 1
It was a case of two minutes, two corners and two goals that made the difference in this match between the Nix Reserves and Canterbury United. Oskar Van Hattum made it one-nil to the Phoenix in the 20th minute after he controlled well from the corner and finished low from the top of the box. However, up the other end, Canterbury had a goal back immediately through the unfortunate head of the Phoenix Reserve’s Finn Surman. His attempted clearance skewed off his head and past Alex Paulsen for an unlucky own goal. Despite plenty of chances at both ends, especially in the second half as players tired on the Fraser Park turf and the game got more end-to-end, the two sides could not be separated.
Hamilton Wanderers 1 – Team Wellington 1
A very even game was sparked into life by a stunning Mario Barcia strike in the 42nd minute from 25 yards out that left Wanderers keeper Matt Oliver with no chance. However, a clear handball in the box gave captain Derek Tieku the chance to even the scores and he duly delivered to equalize right on the stroke of half-time. The second half was a highlight reel for the goalkeepers, with Oliver and Scott Basalaj called into action time after time – and they were equal to every shot they faced.
Eastern Suburbs 1 – Hawke’s Bay United 2
Hawke’s Bay United continued their winning form, picking up where they left off in December to record back-to-back wins. Despite losing leading scorer Jesse Randall to US College soccer, they still did enough to beat the highly fancied Suburbs side at Madills Farm. A Gavin Hoy freekick gave the visitors the lead in the 55th minute and the Canadian doubled his and his sides tally with a well taken second 10 minutes later. Eastern Suburbs captain Reid Drake curled home a shot that deceived everyone in the 70th minute to give Suburbs the chance of a fightback, but ultimately the Lilywhites fell short.
Week Eight Preview:
Auckland City vs Hamilton Wanderers – 16/01/21
2:00pm kickoff, Kiwitea Street
A clash between the two blue armies promises to be the game of the round as City will look to avenge the away loss, they suffered to the Wanderers earlier in the season. Hamilton will be looking for a rare double over the defending champions to get back to winning ways and halt their recent winless run.
Canterbury United vs Eastern Suburbs – 16/01/21
3:00pm kickoff, English Park
Canterbury United have a score to settle when they face a smarting Eastern Suburbs side for the second time this season. The Southerners will be doing their utmost to get a crucial victory at home, after Suburbs slipped up against Hawkes Bay United last time out.
Hawke’s Bay United vs Team Wellington – 17/01/21
1:00pm kickoff, Bluewater Stadium
Buoyed by their crucial away win last time, Hawke’s Bay United return home with the tough task of defeating a classy Team Wellington outfit. Expect a close game if the last meeting between these two teams was anything to go by!
Wellington Phoenix Reserves vs Waitakere United – 17/01/21
4:00pm kickoff, Fraser Park
The Phoenix Reserves result on the weekend mirrored their first team counterparts as they finished with a 1-1 draw. Another home game against recent strugglers Waitakere United gives them a great chance to get another three points. United will be looking to avoid a similar result to the 4-1 home loss they suffered against the WeeNix in the first round.
Team Welly top the tree at Christmas
ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership 2020/21, Week Five & Six Summarised
The final two rounds of 2020 saw some massive results, with Canterbury United beating Auckland City at home for the first time in over a decade in round five, before Eastern Suburbs put in a gritty performance to end Hamilton Wanderers unbeaten run-in round six.
Week Five Roundup:
Wellington Phoenix Reserves 3 – Hawke’s Bay United 0
A comfortable win for the Reserves in the end after a tight first half at Fraser Park. Second-half goal scorers for the Nix were George Ott, Thomas Raimbault and man of the match Riley Bidois scored the third to seal the result.
Waitakere United 1 - Hamilton Wanderers 1
Tommy Semmy continued his goalscoring form for high-flying Hamilton, but Waitakere United would not be denied a point in an entertaining and feisty clash at Seddon Fields in Auckland. Substitute Angus Kilkolly scored the equalizer for United, flicking home an Alex Grieve shot to ensure the points were shared.
Eastern Suburbs 1 – Team Wellington 1
Two red cards for an off the ball incident on the stroke of half time were to be the major talking point in a game that had two first half goals and a glut of chances that went begging. Suburbs captain Adam Thomas and Team Wellington striker Joao Moreira were the players to receive their marching orders, the incident occurring minutes after Suburbs winger Adam Thurston had curled home the equalizer, cancelling out Mario Barcia’s opener for Team Welly. Both sides spurned good chances to win the game in the second hlaf.
Canterbury United 1 – Auckland City 0
The shock of the round and potentially the upset of the season. A last-minute winner from Jacob Richards was enough to send the home crowd into raptures, as Canterbury United finally beat Auckland City at home for the first time in twelve years.
Week Six Roundup:
Auckland City 4 – Wellington Phoenix Reserves 1
The reigning champions bounced back from the Canterbury defeat with a blowout home victory over a tired Nix Reserves side who undid a great first half by conceding four second half goals. Dylan Manickum (2), Logan Rogerson and Mohamed Awad were all on the scoresheet as the Navy Blues earned a great comeback victory to keep themselves near the top of the table.
Team Wellington 3 – Canterbury United 1
After the high of their big win last time out, United were undone by a Team Wellington side that proved how clinical they can be in front of goal. Hamish Watson helped himself to a double and Sam Mason-Smith, deputising for the suspended Joao Moreira, also got himself on the scoresheet.
Hawke’s Bay United 2 – Waitakere United 0
The 0 points in the win’s column has finally turned into the three points that Hawke’s Bay’s performances have deserved this season. Finally they managed to hold onto a lead, getting a much-needed clean sheet to go with their victory. Waitakere United will need to put the work in over the Christmas period to rediscover their winning form after not getting a win since the opening round. Departing attacker Jesse Randall scored both goals for the Bay and will be missed in 2021 as he heads off to Northern Kentucky University in the United States on a football scholarship.
Hamilton Wanderers 1 – Eastern Suburbs 2
And then, there was one. Team Wellington are now the only undefeated side in this season’s national league after an inspired second half performance from Suburbs keeper Danyon Drake saw the Auckland side take all three points from the previously unbeaten Wanderers. Drake saved a header on the line and followed it up minutes later with a vital penalty save as his side held on to a crucial victory away at Porritt stadium. Ryan Feutz also had a fantastic day for the Lilywhites, with two superb strikes giving Suburbs the first half lead, despite a Derek Tieku finish for Wanderers.
With all sides now having a break for the Christmas and New Year period, matches will not resume until the 9th of January 2021, so this is the perfect chance to reassess and address weaknesses in the squads heading into the final eight games of the regular season. Let us know your thoughts on the season so far and what your predictions are for the rest of the season!
Canterbury finally win as the other clashes end up drawn
ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership 2020/21, Week Four Roundup & Preview of Week Five
Week Four Roundup:
Team Wellington 2 - Auckland City 2
A first half red card to Auckland City’s Brian Kaltack changed the course of this game, which Auckland city had looked on track to win after a solid first half showing. Back from injury, Logan Rogerson scored two to give Auckland the half time buffer in this battle of competition heavyweights. However, early in the second half, City defender Adam Mitchell fouled Nathanael Halimariam in the box. Former City player Joao Moreira scored the penalty against his former club before a Hamish Watson screamer brought the scores level minutes later. Both sides battled hard to find a winner, and each team had a goal ruled out by the offside flag as it ended in a draw.
Man of the match: Logan Rogerson (Auckland City)
Hamilton Wanderers 1 - Wellington Phoenix Reserves 1
The Wellington Phoenix Reserves were moments away from a shock victory over the runaway league leaders this season before a late penalty concession allowed Wanderers talisman Tommy Semmy to snatch a late equalizer and a point for the hosts. Riley Bidois had put the WeeNix in front in the 77th minute, capping off a swift counterattack after a great save from Alex Paulsen had denied Tommy Semmy a goal.
Man of the match: Alex Paulsen (Wellington Phoenix Reserves)
Eastern Suburbs 2 – Waitakere United 2
Another team to conjure up two 2-2 draws in as many weeks, Waitakere United were left to rue second half missed opportunities as they gave up a 2-0 away lead at Madills Farm. A 14th minute strike by Jack Duncan was reinforced by a 41st minute Josh Redfearn drive. However, Suburbs quickly levelled through another stunning goal by the peerless Adam Thurston and a Stephen Hoyle penalty in the 78th squared the ledger. Suburbs had a huge chance to score and win the game in the 94th minute, however Waitakere keeper Nick Draper denied Otto Ingham from close range and the points were shared.
Man of the match: Adam Thomas (Eastern Suburbs)
Hawke’s Bay United 0 – Canterbury United 3
And then, there was one. Hawke’s Bay United are now the only team to have not picked up a win so far this season, after they were clinically dispatched by a classy Canterbury side on the weekend. Three second half goals to Ihaia Delaney, Garbhan Coughlan and Yuya Taguchi gave the only Southern side in the competition a thoroughly deserved away win.
Man of the match: Ihaia Delaney (Canterbury United)
Week Five Preview:
Wellington Phoenix Reserves vs Hawke’s Bay United – Saturday 12/12/20, 2:00pm
Without a single point to show for all their efforts this season, Hawke’s Bay United will be desperate to get some sort of result against the Nix Reserves this weekend. After the disappointment of a last-minute concession, the Phoenix will be hoping to earn another victory and take their place higher up the table than their current 6th spot.
Prediction: 2-1 Wellington Phoenix Reserves win
Waitakere United vs Hamilton Wanderers – Saturday 12/12/20, 3:00pm
With their momentum showing signs of slowing, the Wanderers may be vulnerable to a Waitakere United side in top form. However, we have not seen United at their best attacking wise so far this season and they will need to shore up their defence if they want to stop the likes of Derek Tieku and Tommy Semmy. Expect goals for both sides in this one!
Prediction: 3-2 Hamilton Wanderers win
Eastern Suburbs vs Team Wellington – Sun 13/12/20, 3:00pm kick-off
This game looks destined to be the game of the round as both sides look to get quickly back to winning ways to maintain pressure on Hamilton Wanderers at the top of the table. Suburbs will relish the chance to play another game at home and will be looking to leapfrog their opposition into second place on the table. Team Wellington will hope that they can rediscover the stubbornness in defence that saw them pickup two from two at the start of the season.
Prediction: 2-1 Eastern Suburbs win
Canterbury United vs Auckland City – Sun 13/12/20, 4:00pm kick-off
Despite Canterbury’s position on the table, they have given enough of an account of themselves to warrant not being written off for this one. Kaltack’s red card against Team Wellington robs City of an experienced defender, however Auckland should have the strength in depth to cover. This will be closer than some will expect.
Prediction: 2-1 Auckland City win
Eastern Suburbs dominant while the competiton falters
ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership 2020/21, Week Three Roundup & Preview of Week Four
Week Three Roundup:
Waitakere United 2 vs Team Wellington 2
Waitakere United left it extremely late to rescue a point at Seddon Fields artificial in round three, with a last gasp equaliser sparing them the disappointment of back-to-back losses. Team Wellington had looked in control for most of the first half, with Joao Moreira turning and scoring late to cap off the performance. However, early in the second half Waitakere United were back in it, a header from Luke Searle levelling things in the 49th minute. Hamish Watson scored a penalty in the 60th minute to make it 2-1 to Team Wellington and it looked like the three points were heading to Wellington before Josh Redfearn’s 92nd minute goal.
Man of the match: Taylor Schrijvers (Team Wellington)
Wellington Phoenix Reserves 0 - Eastern Suburbs 4
After a big win last week, the Phoenix Reserves were brought back to earth with a thump in round three as Eastern Suburbs turned in a dominant away performance to take three points back to Auckland. Stephen Hoyle scored his first goal of the season in the 4th minute, before Adam Thurston scored two, with one at the end of the first half and a second early in the second half. The home fans at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt did have one thing to cheer as Phoenix keeper Alex Paulsen denied Thurston his hat-trick after saving his spot kick in the 75th minute. However, Paulsen could not keep out substitute Campbell Strong’s 80th minute strike as Suburbs had the final say in a tough match for the home side.
Man of the match: Adam Thurston (Eastern Suburbs)
Auckland City 2 - Hawke’s Bay United 1
Two second-half goals from Cameron Howeison and Dylan Manickum saved Auckland City after Jesse Randall had scored a wonderful solo goal in the 26th minute to take Hawkes Bay into the lead. It was a first half that Hawkes Bay controlled but unfortunately, they could only score a single goal in the half and blew a lead for the second time in as many weeks. Kiwitea street once again proved its worth for the men in dark blue, without injured strikers Emiliano Tade and Logan Rogerson, whose late fightback leaves them three points behind leaders Hamilton Wanderers.
Man of the match: Cameron Howeison (Auckland City)
Canterbury United 2 - Hamilton Wanderers 3
Once again Hamilton Wanderers proved that they are the real deal this season, with a gritty victory away from home denying a gutsy Canterbury side their first points of the season. Despite a Tom Schwarz header and a Garbhan Coughlan penalty, Hamilton had too much firepower, with Derek Tieku, Tommy Semmy and substitute Jordan Lamb all scoring to secure all three points for the visitors at English Park.
Man of the match: Tommy Semmy (Hamilton Wanderers)
Week Four Preview:
With the news that this current version of the National League is to be scrapped in favour of a new winter club-based competition next season, it will be interesting to see how the clubs react. Will it be business as usual, or will there be even more at stake for franchises soon to be disestablished to win something before they no longer exist?
Hamilton Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves – Sun 06/12/20, 1:00pm kick-off
Wanderers are flying and are clearly the form team of the season so far. They remain the only team to have won all their games so far this season, have the best goal difference and look to be unstoppable after their spirited victory against Canterbury last week. The Wellington Phoenix Reserves have shown they can play some incredible football but came unstuck against Suburbs in round three.
Prediction: Hamilton Wanderers 4-2 win
Hawkes Bay United vs Canterbury United – Sun 06/12/20, 1:30pm kick-off
Both sides have shown grit and determination in the past few weeks but have nothing to show for it on the table. With each team desperate to start seeing their endeavour turn to points, this should be a very hotly contested game. Hawkes Bay will need to shake their recent trend of leading and conceding late to lose, Canterbury need to work on establishing a lead. It’s a match that seems destined for a draw.
Prediction: 2-2 draw
Eastern Suburbs vs Waitakere United – Sun 06/12/20, 4:00pm kick-off
With Eastern Suburbs returning to form after their shock opening loss and Waitakere rescuing a point late on against Team Wellington, this sets up an intriguing contest between two sides capable of playing scintillating attacking football. With Suburbs defence looking the stronger of the two, expect the side South of the Harbour bridge to come out on top.
Prediction: 3-1 Eastern Suburbs win
Team Wellington vs Auckland City – Sun 06/12/20, 4:00pm kick-off
Two old rivals face-off for the first time this season and for the first time in what seems like forever, neither are the frontrunners. With the match to take place at David Farrington Park, Team Wellington will look to use home advantage to take the first three points on offer and capitalise on Auckland’s injury hit squad.
Prediction: 2-1 Team Wellington win
Reigning champions stunned
ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership 2020/21, Week Two Roundup & Preview of Week Three
Week Two Roundup:
Hamilton Wanderers 2 - Auckland City 0
A Derek Tieku first-half brace was enough to sink the reigning champions as they went down to the same side that had defeated them in pre-season. Rare back to back defeats for the champions was made even more historic as it was Wanderers first three points gained from Auckland in the national competition proper (in nine attempts) and they were well worth their win. Worryingly for City, they could not come up with a response in the second half, with Logan Rogerson and Emiliano Tade both missing, replacement strikers Maro Bonsu-Maro and Dylan Manickum were unable to find the net.
Man of the Match: Derek Tieku
Waitakere United 1 – Wellington Phoenix Reserves 4
After handing out a 4-0 defeat in round one, Waitakere United were beaten 4-1 at home, as a rampant WeeNix side lit up Seddon Fields pitch one. After the impressive Alexander Grieve scored another goal to give his Waitakere side the lead in the 23rd minute, his strike was cancelled out by a Shiuab Khan own goal in the 33rd in an end-to-end first half. In the second, Jaylen Rodwell scored to make it 2-1 before Ben Old, who had deserved a goal all game, scored two to seal the result for the Reserves in the 90th and 95th minute, as Waitakere pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Man of the Match: Ben Old (Wellington Phoenix)
Team Wellington 2 - Hawke’s Bay United 1
After a disappointing performance at home last time out, it was a much-improved Hawkes Bay side that took the lead at David Farrington Park. It had been a cagey opening 45, on a pitch in terrible condition, with players combating dodgy grass clumps, sand, and the wind. It was not until the penalty was given in the 66th minute that the deadlock was broken. Jesse Randall scored from the rebound after Scott Basalaj had saved his first attempt from the spot. The Hawkes Bay lead only lasted four minutes however, Nathanael Hailemariam steered a header into the Bay net and the comeback was completed in the 90th minute when Joao Moreira thundered the match-winner into the roof of the United net.
Man of the Match: Joao Moreira (Team Wellington)
Eastern Suburbs vs Canterbury United
Eastern Suburbs quickly bounced back from their contentious defeat to Auckland City in round one with a comfortable victory over the team from the South this week. Goals for Lilywhites players Kelvin Kalua (37’), Adam Thurston (41’) and Kingsley Sinclair (63’) meant that three points went to the home side. For Canterbury, Jacob Richards 56th minute strike had given the Dragons some hope of a comeback before Sinclair sealed the result on a decent Madill’s Farm pitch.
Man of the Match: Kingsley Sinclair (Eastern Suburbs)
Week Three Preview:
Waitakere United vs Team Wellington – Sat 28/11/20, 1:00pm kick-off
Another home game gives Waitakere the chance to make amends for their shock loss to the Wellington Phoenix Reserves last week. Buoyed by their back to back wins, Team Wellington make the trip to Auckland looking to make it three wins from three.
Prediction: 3-2 Team Wellington win
Wellington Phoenix Reserves vs Eastern Suburbs – Sat 28/11/20, 1:00pm kick-off
After big wins for both sides last week, this will be an intriguing clash of some of the country’s best coaching minds and young players. With both favouring an attacking, possession-based style of play, expect this to be an open and entertaining affair.
Prediction: 2-2 draw
Auckland City vs Hawke’s Bay United – Sun 29/11/20, 2:00pm kick-off
City will be delighted to be back at Kiwitea Street after their Hamilton humbling and will be hoping to get back to winning ways against the luckless Bay. Hawke’s Bay put in a good performance last time out but were undone at the death. They will be hoping that they can bring the level of performance they showed against Team Wellington, otherwise they could be in for a rough day against an Auckland City side still smarting from their defeat.
Prediction: 2-1 Auckland City win
Canterbury United vs Hamilton Wanderers - Sun 29/11/20, 4:00pm kick-off
The surprise of the competition so far, Hamilton Wanderers take their red-hot form into a game against United, a team that have struggled to find any sort of form so far this season. On form it is a mismatch but on paper Canterbury have the players to unsettle Hamilton’s rhythm. This prediction is based on the form of Hamilton, who should have too much firepower for the wounded Dragons.
Prediction: 3-1 Hamilton Wanderers win
Waitakere and Wanderers off to electric starts
ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership 2020/21, Week One Roundup & Preview of Week Two
Week One Roundup:
Auckland City 1 – Eastern Suburbs 0
In a match played at a frantic pace, the fans that turned up to the lush Kiwitea street pitch were treated to a spectacle that included many chances and multiple controversial moments. There could have been a penalty early in the first half when City midfielder Cam Howieson was brought down in the box by Suburbs captain Adam Thomas – referee Matt Conger said no penalty. The main controversial moment came midway through the second half, with referee Conger adjudging Suburbs defender Christian Grey had handled the ball inside the box. Replays clearly showed the ball had hit his chest and not his arm. Suburbs could feel rightly aggrieved when Emiliano Tade slotted home the resulting penalty, while Auckland City felt justice was served after the non-penalty earlier on. Apart from those moments, the rest of the game was ruled by two goalkeepers in top form. Cameron Brown made a string of crucial saves for the hosts, with the pick of the bunch a 40th minute save from a close-range Dan Edwards header. At the other end Danyon Drake was also having a blinder, with two fingertip saves denying Tade and Riera within two minutes of each other early in the second half. Though Drake could not save the penalty and despite a mistake by Brown in the 83rd minute almost allowing Suburbs striker Stephen Hoyle to snaffle a late equaliser, their saves stole the show.
Man of the Match: Cameron Brown (Auckland City)
Canterbury United 0 – Waitakere United 4
A disappointing performance by the home side contrasted with the firepower of a determined and youthful Waitakere United side, who blew the Dragons away in the second half after taking a 1-0 lead just before the break. Alexander Greive before Spanish import Gerard Garriga Gibert stabbed away a second in the 62nd minute. Alex Connor-McClean, off the bench to replace Angus Kilkolly, got the third with a powerful strike from the edge of the 18-yard box. The final flourish was put on the performance by Gibert, slotting home his second in the 91st after another rebound fell kindly to him. Canterbury skipper Tom Schwarz was clear that the heavy home defeat was unacceptable, “we know we’ve got to improve, it’s got be a right kick in the arse to push on and we know we’ve got a big game next week and we need to pick up points”.
Man of the Match: Gerard Garriga Gibert (Waitakere United)
Hawke’s Bay United 0 – Hamilton Wanderers 3
A solid second half showing saw Hamilton Wanderers through after a cagey opening 45 minutes between two evenly matched sides. Josh Signey opened the scoring for the away side with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box, before he got his, and his sides, second with a well-taken finish into the roof of the net after a one-two followed by a mazy run in the box. A blistering Tommy Semmy run and simple set-up allowed Derek Tieku to finish Hamilton Wanderers off in the 83rd minute, as he tapped in Semmy’s pass. The Wanderers will be ecstatic with their clean sheet away from home, meanwhile Hawkes Bay will need to pick up the pieces and make Bluewater stadium a fortress again if they want to challenge for a top four spot this season.
Man of the Match: Josh Signey (Hamilton Wanderers)
Wellington Phoenix Reserves 0 – Team Wellington 1
In a back-and-forth arm wrestle of a game between two sides loaded with Central league talent, it was a late goal from Jack-Henry Sinclair that made the difference in this ‘WelClasico’. Until Sinclair’s half-volley claimed all three points for the visitors in the 89th minute, it had looked like the game at the Nix Reserves new home of Fraser Park artificial turf was destined for a draw, as the Wellington wind wreaked havoc on the play.
Man of the Match: Jack-Henry Sinclair (Team Wellington)
Week Two Preview:
Team Wellington vs Hawkes Bay United
Returning home to David Farrington Park, Team Wellington will be looking to extend their winning run against a Hawkes Bay side that will be looking to bounce back from their home defeat. Perhaps this is the season Waitakere United can make their latest home of Seddon Fields as feared to visit as Fred Taylor Park used to be.
Prediction: 3-1 Team Wellington win
Waitakere United vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves
Last rounds big winners will host the luckless Phoenix Reserves, who will be keen to score a few goals this week after drawing a blank in their narrow and late loss to Team Wellington last time out. The Reserves merited a result in that game, so they will hope they can pick up points against a hungry Waitakere team.
Prediction: 2-2 draw
Hamilton Wanderers vs Auckland City
Two of the winning teams from last round play each other as the reigning champs travel to Porritt Stadium, the site of their preseason loss to the Wanderers a few weeks ago. City will have extra motivation to win after that preseason loss, while Hamilton will want to repeat the trick and build on their excellent performance in round one.
Prediction: 2-1 Auckland City win
Eastern Suburbs vs Canterbury United
With both sides ending up without wins in week one, Eastern Suburbs and Canterbury United will be itching to get points on the board in this match. There should be plenty of fireworks once the game kicks off at Suburbs Madills Farm ground.
Prediction: 3-1 Eastern Suburbs win
The FFA blunders again, Wellington Phoenix Women’s Team Vetoed
With the recent revelation that there will be a foreign player quota that includes NZ players, the proposed Wellington Phoenix Women’s Team that has been in development for some time has been halted. With most of the players meant to be Kiwis, with the league opening a professional pathway for young talent in this country, in one statement the FFA have made years of work unsustainable. And the ‘As One’ message of the jointly hosted 2023 Women’s World Cup has been made a mockery of, with the FFA clearly worried that the Ferns could have been given an advantage by playing in the W-League.
Instead of an announcement this Thursday confirming that a team would be competing in the league, the Wellington Phoenix, and their General Manager David Dome, who has been championing the move, will be forced to abandon their plans. Tom Sermanni, a former coach of the Matildas and current Football ferns coach, will no longer be taking the reins of a professional NZ women’s club side. It is a move that is a clear double-standard and completely baffling, the FFA have decided not to carry over the same special privilege given to the Wellington Phoenix men’s team about NZ players counting as Australian or ‘homegrown’ players. A move that makes no sense, given that if the Wellington Phoenix women were made up of 11/24 NZ players (like the men’s team are), it would provide all of the Australian sides with a better test, facing fully fledged Football Ferns, rather than young Australian players and maybe one or two Ferns or Matildas.
If the Phoenix do change their mind and decide to go ahead with a team comprised of mainly Australian players at such short notice (the league starts on December 27th), it also robs them of the opportunity to bring more talent to the league in overseas Internationals/marquee players, as instead they will be forced to use all five import slots for their NZ players. It will also mean that the plan to develop the next generation of Kiwi talent, while allowing their high-level Ferns signings to gel will also be ruined. The move will also mean that the Westfield W League remains a nine-team league next season, which will see a bye happen each week, a scenario no football fan enjoys.
This decision is disappointing on all levels. The fans, players, and 2023 World Cup event all suffer because of it. Its another backwards step by the FFA, a further blow to the relations between the Wellington Phoenix and an organisation that always seems intent on doing its utmost to not support its one international club.
ISPS Handa Premiership 2020/21 Season Preview
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE COMPETITION?
In a year like no other, we are looking at what could be the last NZ National League in the current format. With the proposal to change the competition to a ‘Champions League style’ tournament comprising club teams across the nation.
In the proposal the Northern, Central and Southern conferences would run from March to September, with the ‘Champions League’ phase taking place between September and December to find a national champion. This phase would involve the top 2-3 teams from the regional winter competitions that qualify for an eight to 10-team national championship. Add to this the fact that two of the franchises from the 2019/20 competition no longer exist (Tasman and Southern) due to COVID-19 and it looks like the writing is on the wall for the format change to go ahead for the 2021 season.
Currently only Hamilton Wanderers and Eastern Suburbs play under the same franchise name as their winter club, so can easily embrace the change. Franchise teams like Auckland City, Team Wellington, Hawkes Bay United and Wellington Phoenix Reserves will also lose their franchise names, but their players could probably be easily renamed/reshaped into their winter clubs that they ground share with; Central United, Miramar Rangers, Napier City Rovers and Lower Hutt respectively. However, remaining franchises like Waitakere United and Canterbury United will need to find clubs willing to absorb and integrate with the franchise. Waitakere is a club that has connections with the likes of Birkenhead and Melville, so both could be an option. While Canterbury would need to scour the South Island to find the perfect match, as Western AFC, who also play at English Park, have not had the recent success to potentially qualify them as candidates.
WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES?
Without a doubt the favourites are Auckland City, early winners of the COVID-19 affected season last year, they are a team who can once again call on experience all over the field despite a couple of key personnel losses. This includes last season’s top scorer Myer Bevan, after his transfer to South African Premier League side TS Galaxy FC. Perhaps an even greater loss is captain Angel Berlanga, the 33-year-old defender suffered a serious knee injury (ACL) in training at the end of October and will leave a sizeable 244 appearance gap until he returns, and we won’t know if he will even play a game this season until his injury progress is reassessed in January 2021. 36-year-old keeper Enaut Zubikarai has also moved into a coaching role, taking over third keeper duties while also goalkeeper coaching for incumbents Cameron Brown and Conor Tracey.
Despite these losses the squad they have is still elite, with the likes of Emiliano Tade, Albert Riera, Thomas Doyle and Brain Kaltak providing the experience. Meanwhile, classy players such as Logan Rogerson, Cameron Howeison and Mario Ilich will provide the spark. With a strong squad at their disposal, as well as a highly experienced coaching staff including José Figueira and Ivan Vicelich, Auckland City should have the depth, as well as the mentality, to win again.
DON’T THINK THE OTHER TEAMS AREN’T CAPABLE OF AN UPSET
With a COVID-19 disrupted build up for the players who play their winter football for NRFL teams (Waitakere, Eastern Suburbs, Hamilton Wanderers and Auckland City) , the other North Island teams have had the benefit of playing out their winter seasons. Hawkes Bay United will be made up of Central League hardened Napier City Rovers players, while Team Wellington largely consists of Miramar Rangers and Wellington Olympic players that competed for the Central League title in Wellington. Another side who narrowly missed out on the title, Western Suburbs, is full of Olé academy players, who will be integrated into the Wellington Phoenix Reserves and Eastern Suburbs squads. The Wellington Phoenix Reserves are a team to look out for, as they will also have Lower Hutt Central League players at their disposal and won’t be able to call on their fringe professional players, as they will be in training in Australia due to A League COVID-19 requirements.
WHO ARE THE OUTSIDERS?
The one South Island team in the competition, Canterbury United, last place finishers in 2019/20, will be forgiven if they struggle to gel having amalgamated with two other squads. They will be the outsiders in both location and odds. A lot of pressure will be on Director of Football & Head Coach, Lee Padmore (former Youth Development Coach at Wellington Phoenix), to take Canterbury United from potential wooden spoon getters to the playoffs.
How can football de-carbonize?
The great rethink of our time is upon us. The coronavirus combatting changes will stay with us after the virus is beaten. Yet social distancing, online meetings, and everything else must not be the only culture change COVID-19 causes. The climate crisis is here, and the world must use this chance to alter our ways with a green tint. The world means everyone, and that means football. The time has come for football to take a hard look at its environmental impact.
The virus has already shown us the first and easiest way for football to cut down on carbon; travel. It’s perhaps the most vital part of the game, but it's also the worst for the environment. Through just their flights, the top 20 nominees for the 2019 Ballon D’Or produced over 500 tons of carbon. Now multiply that by the gazillions of flights professional players across the world take every year. Add in thousands of fans and things don’t look pretty.
The 2018 Champions League final was held in Kiev between Liverpool and Real Madrid, with 61 thousand fans attending. How many were from Ukraine? How many would have flown from countries in Western Europe for only a single game, spewing thousands of tons of carbon into the air?
The simple fact is fans will follow football. So it falls to those at the top to ensure the majority don’t have to travel far. This would not only be more convenient but would also be better for the environment.
And yet Euro 2021 exists. In some parallel universe where COVID-19 abides enough so games can be played live, fans and players will be traveling from London to Baku to Istanbul to Saint Petersburg and Bilbao. Even if the tournament is played in empty stadiums, the teams’ travel remains unacceptable in environmental costs. The lack of a host for the Euros was a dumb idea to begin with, but the environmental damage it will cause makes it a pure idiocy.
So what can be done? What’s the solution? Well, it’s obvious. Travel less.
In the 2019 Europa League, Manchester United and Astana were drawn together in the same group. Two teams on different continents ending up together is unacceptable. No more. The AFC Champions League provides a template here, with teams in that competition already being grouped into East and West zones, and it’s something confederation competitions should mimic.
In a similar vein, nations leagues are the way to go. No more flying across the world to play a single friendly. Trans-continental games should only happen when required, such as the world cup play-offs. This does put isolated nations at a disadvantage, but if we didn’t want that to happen then we should have dealt with climate change when we had the chance.
These are two things football can do to reduce its carbon output, but such things are only a drop in a warming ocean. This is where football’s immense social capital comes into play. Football is the most popular sport in the world, hence it has the most potential to make a positive social difference. So let’s put it to use. Reduce carbon in ways both individuals and industries can replicate. Use the platform to promote the worthwhile causes, and do more than just raise awareness - everyone is very much aware of climate change - provide concrete links for people to help and don’t leave it all to the fans, contribute yourselves as well.
Lastly, make sure football’s partners are carbon ethical. Don’t allow complicit organisations to sportswash. Name, shame, and don’t take money from them. Football’s immense social potential must be used in the right way. At this critical juncture, we cannot misuse what we have.
It’s so easy to be a free rider. It’s the strategy so many organisations and countries have chosen to adopt. Football can be different. Football must be different.
The youth will set us free
There wasn’t much joy in watching the Wellington Phoenix stutter to a 3-0 defeat against the Newcastle Jets. Such a limp finale to such an amazing season. But despite the dour display, there was that one shining light. Liberato Cacace.
Easily the best left back in the league, Cacace’s prowess was best displayed in the 72nd minute. Wellington were down 1-0, and with the Saint Patrick’s product being the steam engine that he is, Cacace ran through six separate defenders and would have walked the ball into the net had it not been from the goalie managing to just, just get down low at the very last moment.
In searching for the clip of Cacace’s run to rewatch, II accidentally found other moments of the left back’s brilliance. A pitch perfect cross which led to a shot. His switch of the play to Callan Elliot who would have won a penalty had it not been for a referee error.
Cacace has come on leaps and bounds since his debut under Darjie Kalezić of all people. The teenager - yes, he is somehow that young - famously turned Keisuke Honda inside out. Sending a Japanese football legend to the turf thanks to fancy footwork could have been the A-League peak of a lesser player yet Cacace continues to do nothing but improve. He scores now as well, hitting three goals in his time with Wellington; an impressive number for a full back. Every time I watch him I feel awed and privileged to view him in all his glory because he is just that good. But I’m incredibly sad, too. Depending on how the Phoenix do in the final series, he has at maximum three games left in a Wellington shirt. Hell, clubs from the Championship want him.
When Liberato Cacace turns another player inside out, the world gets a little better. Liberato Cacace is what’s right with the A-League. Yet he’s not the only one.
The Newcastle goalie who somehow kept Cacace out? His name is Noah James. He is what’s right with the A-League. He’s seven months older than Cacace, and the 3-0 win was his first professional outing. And it was one to remember. Wellington peppered his goal and would have won handily had it not been James’ transformation into a brick wall. His debut was one for the ages. ]
Callan Elliot is what’s right in the A-League. Pre-lockdown the Nelson born right back had a grand total of zero minutes in the A-League. Now? His recent performances have elevated him to first choice right back while the much more experienced Louis Fenton has been left to eat dust. Pre-lockdown, everyone expected a quiet end to his contract and with it probably his professional career. After the last few weeks, Ufuk Talay would be insane not to demand a new contract for his best right back.
Dylan Wenzel-Halls. Mirza Muratovic. Jordan Courtney-Perkins. Louis D'arrigo. Mohamed Adam.
Alou Koul and Dylan Ruiz-Dias. Louis Lawrie-Lattanzio. Aaron Anderson. And so many who I haven’t mentioned.
The Toure brothers, for crying out loud! Mohamed Toure is younger than I am and he’s scored a goal in the A-League!
What is the point of this article? To gush about the youngsters the A-League is producing? Yes.
I have a separate article half written right now, speculating on what the future of the A-League could look like. Spoiler alert: it’s bleak. But my thoughts kept coming back to Cacace’s run past six defenders. Negativity is so often the default setting for us long suffering A-League fans, and why wouldn’t it be? Like the rest of us, I’m deeply worried about the future.
But with precious little football left to be played in the 2019/20 season, I feel as if now more than ever it’s important to get lost in the pure beauty of Dylan Ruiz-Diaz scoring a brace or Cacace doing Cacace things. The youth in this league are bloody amazing and amidst my apprehension and fear of the future, I’m damned hyped. What will come will come, but the future of so many youngsters across the Tasman has never felt brighter.
There’s time later to be pessimistic. Enjoy the A-League now.
Photo credit: Cameron McIntosh
Who would win? Locally based kiwis or A-League Socceroos?
It was a dark and stormy night. (Editor's note: it wasn’t).
I, Dan Moskovitz, a professional unemployed journalist, was suffering from writer's block.
So I turned to the place where all the reasonable ideas come from; twitter. After a shameless beg for help, suggestions were sent in. @RyansRovers proposed choosing a New Zealand and Australian XI of only locally based players. Meanwhile @theotheroliver recommended siming a game between North Island and South Island players on Football Manager. Using my three brain cells in a move of total genius, I merged the two ideas. I would sim a match between a local (plus Australia) Kiwi XI and an Australian side of A-League players.
I’m well known for my cold takes, so who did I pick for these two sides?
NZ:
Goalie: Stefan Marinovic
Defenders: Liberato Cacace, Tim Payne, Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, Dane Ingham
Midfielders: Alex Rufer, Clayton Lewis, Marko Stamenic
Attackers: Kosta Barbarouses, Callum McCowatt, Marco Rojas
For the record, Mako Stamenic did actually recently return to Denmark. Given my dedication to the facts, I was clearly born to be a journalist.
Aus:
Goalie: Andrew Redmayne
Defenders: Scott Jamieson, Alex Grant, Alex Wilkison, Rhyan Grant
Midfielders: Luke Brattan, Riley McGree, Dimi Petratos
Attackers: Bernie Ibini, Mitchell Duke, Jamie Maclaren
Yes, these picks are absolutely atrocious.
After some guidance on how FM works from Sam Smith (thanks Sam) I set myself up as manager of both NZ and Oz. With the next available FIFA window being March 2020, I simmed my way into a pandemic-less future. God, if only... Given I was now in alternate 2020 I figured it might be worth checking out what could have been with the A-League:
Perhaps the weirdest thing about this universe is the media clamouring for Michael McGlinchey, a player who has barely appeared for the Central Coast Mariners IRL, to be called up. In alt-2020 he is somehow the A-League’s Pogba. Unfortunately video games aren’t real life, so I dutifully ignored WeeMac.
The media also decided to be rather nasty to me about some of the players I cut from my squads to make room for the A-League stars. Reportedly some guy called Matthew Ryan should have been called up. No wonder the media is a dying industry.
But no plan survives first contact with the enemy. There were two snags with the Kiwi squad. Both Clayton Lewis and Callum McCowatt were injured. I was cursed by the Random Number Generator God. A slow realisation dawned on me. Completing an article such as this one requires sacrifice.
Reader, Total Football tends to get around 150 unique visitors to each of our articles. So the only natural course of action was to spend seven dollars on the Football Manager editor. Reader, I am still yet to make a single cent off my writing. Reader, I don’t even play Football Manager anymore.
Reader, acknowledge and praise my commitment.
In universe McCowatt and Lewis had sudden shock recoveries from their injuries. It was widely and correctly attributed as a miracle from God.
Seven bucks down the drain, it was time to get cracking. Time for the real work to begin. I chose some preset tactics after realising I didn’t actually care enough to make a good tactic. That and I don’t know how. I’m not very good at Football Manager. Regardless this is what we ended up with:
I’ve talked to the media. I’ve called up the players. The build up is finished, it’s go time. Unfortunately, pre-game I didn’t take advantage of my godly editor powers and forgot to make everyone’s stamina 100%, resulting in Barbarouses and Rojas starting the game with about 70% stamina. A broken leg is but a flesh wound, right?
I put Slice Of Heaven on repeat, ramped up my Kiwi patriotism and started the game. Let’s go All Whites.
The game started off with Australian dominance. Dimi Petratos had a shot crash against the crossbar in the 4th minute. Riley McGree also tested Stefan Marinovic early. But in the 14th minute the breakthrough occurred. Following a corner Scott Jamieson sent in a cross and Bernie Ibini was there to put it past the goalie.
Top 10 photos taken moments before disaster
Aussie dominance continued unfettered, so the second goal was a matter of when, not if. Once again a full back would be NZ’s undoing, with Rhyan Grant’s 37th cross causing an Ibini header from impressive range to sail past poor Marinovic.
Stefan is really impressed with the quality of defending here
It was almost one way traffic. Almost. Callum McCowatt had a couple of chances which he really should have done better with. In fact, it was hair pulling territory as the young striker missed harder than my jokes.
Easy right? Easy
Nope
Ok, this time.
*Long suffering sigh*
McCowatt’s misses were the only real chances NZ had. Australia was still well on top, and Ibini was still hunting for the hat trick. In the 43rd minute, an opportunity was offered up on a golden platter. Dane Ingham took out Jamieson in the box.
“Oh, GOD DAMNIT DANE!” - Stefan Marinovic, probably
Bini naturally stepped up to take. This was his moment. This was his time. He ran up, full of confidence and gave the ball a pathetic love tap. Seriously, this was perhaps the worst penalty I’ve ever seen on FM. Marinovic barely had to move a muscle.
“Here you go love,” - Ibini, probably
In fact, that rubbish penalty actually saw NZ get their first shot on target. Marinovic was able to spark a counter-attack from his save, and Lewis’ effort from 25 yards out meant Andrew Redmayne had something to do for the first time. Callum, you could learn a thing or two.
Still, Australia were well and truly the better side going into the break. Something needed to change for NZ but I refused to pick substitutes for this match and didn’t feel like managing. The All Whites were on their own.
Shockingly, nothing changed. In the 58th minute the lethal combination of a full back crossing to an attacker punished NZ again with Jamieson again giving Jamie Maclaren a headed goal. Justice for Macca really. He would have put away Ibini’s stupid penalty…
Marinovic is tired of this sh*t
Shot after shot peppered the NZ goal and only that beautiful man Stefan Marinovic was preventing things from getting embarrassing. Without him, Australia could have hit double digits. New Zealand would manage one more shot on target thanks to Kosta Barbarouses but the Aussies were never in danger. The fat lady sang and it was Australia 3, New Zealand 0.
*Sad trombone noise*
After too many screenshots and the loss of seven dollars, I had done it. I had completed Ryan’s Rover’s mission and discovered who would win in a local trans-tasman derby. And in all honesty, I was surprised to see such a comprehensive Aussie victory. I had a lot of hope in this NZ side.
But just to top it all off, FM had one last little nugget for us.
Jai, you didn’t even play…
What makes a manager?
Klopp: Bring the Noise. By Raphael Honigstein. Penguin. 2019
How do you become a high level football manager? The most obvious way to is to become a high level player first. Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane are the most obvious cases. Both were highly decorated players, and after short stints with the youth team or as assistants, they were handed the managerial reins at their former clubs, which just happened to be Barcelona and Real Madrid.
For other managers the route to the top is longer and harder. Jose Mourinho never played the game professionally, but somehow made the transition from club translator to manager. And then there is Jürgen Klopp. He did play the game professionally, but only got as far as the second division.
Klopp really started making waves in European football in the 2010-11 season. His Borussia Dortmund side, made up largely of young, lesser known players, and employing an aggressive gegen pressing style, swept aside Bayern Munich and co on their way to two consecutive league titles. For a while, it seemed the Bundesliga had no answer to Klopp’s tactical revolution. His Dortmund side suffocated opponents, who were shocked to have so little time on the ball and could not adapt.
Gegen pressing (counter pressing) involves playing a high line in defence, winning the ball high up the pitch, and pouncing with fast counter attacks. It demands high levels of physical and mental commitment from the players. It’s not just that players need to run a lot, although that is part of it. Players need to be on each other’s wavelength, something that Klopp drilled in long hours on the training pitch. Above all, players need to believe in the tactical system. Klopp showed at Dortmund that with meticulous preparation, tactical innovation, and collective commitment, smaller clubs could compete successfully with bigger rivals.
Every time a manager is fired, you can rely on someone, perhaps a journalist, or even a rival manager, to say they needed more time. More time to bring in new players, more time to bed in their tactical system, more time to ride out a random run of bad results. Yet few managers get time. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the club, the less time they get.
As Raphael Honigstein shows in his highly enjoyable biography, Klopp has made time for himself throughout his managerial career. Perhaps it helped that he started out of the spotlight, with FSV Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga second division. Klopp played in Mainz’s defence for most of his playing career. And in 2001, Mainz made Klopp player manager. They could not find a manager who understood the tactical system of previous manager Wolfgang Frank, and turned to club captain Klopp instead. Klopp tried to pick up where his mentor Frank had left off, instilling a system of pressing, a back four (a system alien to the German league at the time), and a team ethic that demanded total commitment.
Klopp did not have instant success at Mainz. But he did transform the club into promotion contenders, but two fourth place finishes meant he missed out on promotion two seasons in a row. Such was Klopp’s status at the club, though, that he was never in danger of being fired. Mainz had a smaller budget than most teams in the division, and Klopp’s tactical system was clearly taking the club places. Ultimately, the following season Klopp did take Mainz into the first division for the first time in their history.
Although Mainz were relegated in their third Bundesliga season, Klopp’s achievements were enough to win him a job in the top tier with Borussia Dortmund. At Dortmund, just like at Liverpool years later, it took Klopp a few seasons to transform the club into a trophy winning force. And just as at Mainz, the owners continued to back him.
Looking back now at Klopp’s career, perhaps his early struggles with Mainz helped build the foundation for his future success. As Mainz was a small club with relatively low expectations, he was able to establish himself and his methods. Many good things are said about Klopp these days, but perhaps one of most underappreciated qualities is his ability to create time for himself. Perhaps the commentators are right, managers need time.
Solanke’s swagger
Bournemouth have enlivened the Premier League since coming up four seasons ago. A small town club who had never played in the top flight before, the Cherries have always done more than make up the numbers. In Eddie Howe, they were also marshalled by that rare thing, a young English manager with an identifiable attacking philosophy. Bournemouth’s rise led some to wonder if we were watching a managerial great in the making. (Less well known but perhaps equally important is Howe’s partnership with his number two, Jason Tindall. Great managerial machines are often duos).
Bournemouth’s attacking principles have been a strength but also a weakness. Their determination to have a go has often made them easy meat for the bigger teams, and also led to several worrying winless runs.
This season it has looked as if the tide might be finally going out on the Cherries first stay in the top tier. They have spent a lot of time hanging around the bottom three, and their post lockdown form has been miserable. In five games since the restart, they have collected only one point against Spurs, leaving them 6 points from safety when Leicester arrived this weekend. It didn’t help that the visitors had everything to play for themselves, needing to shore up a top four place that had once looked assured.
One nil down at half time, things looked bleak for Bournemouth. Early in the second half they had some attacking ball but did not look dangerous. The only faint hope came when Söyüncü nudged a Bournemouth attacker in the back on the edge of the box. The sort of cynical challenge that really should be given as a penalty but rarely is.
Then Leicester hit the self-destruct button. A misplaced goal kick from Schmeichel bumped off Ndidi just outside the box. The Leicester player tried to recover but could only give away a penalty. Junior Stanislas soaked up the pressure and slotted it down the middle.
90 seconds later, a ball over the top put Dominic Solanke in on the left. His side foot shot had just enough to get past Schmeichel. It was a good time for Solanke to score, especially given he had not managed a single league goal in his 38 games for the club so far.
There was more drama. As Solanke’s shot had dribbled into the net, Söyüncü found himself in a tangle with Callum Wilson. Söyüncü’s petulant kick at the Bournemouth attacker resulted in a red card. After 90 seconds of hapless madness, Leicester were a goal down and a man down. The boilover was on.
Solanke had swagger now, showing some neat footwork on the right and nutmegging Smeichel to add Bournemouth’s third. Stanislas also made his own luck. Slaloming into the box, his shot pinged off Evans and into the net. At 4-1 the rout was complete.
The stories you may have missed: A week in the A-League
We have come to the end of another week in the A-League with the escape from Victoria, shenanigans over at FFA HQ and Mile Jedinak’s retirement dominating the headlines. But as always there’s a lot of news which missed out on the limelight. Luckily for you I use my Sydney Morning Herald free articles so you don’t have to. From July 5th to July 12th, here’s the stories which may have slipped past you.
The FFA just could not escape drama this week. The big headline is the coronavirus caused cancellation of the 2020 FFA Cup. Alongside the NPL final series - which is basically the winners of the state leagues playing each other - the FFA Cup was canceled to give the powers that be “time to focus on future campaigns.” This was going to be the only FFA Cup before the new Fox-FFA deal ran out, and I (along with other commentators) had speculated this could have been where the FFA trialled a new streaming service in an environment with significantly less risk. Guess not. But in a handy segue the FFA actually had an opportunity to get their own streaming service six years ago but declined the chance. It’s food for thought given how a FFA owned streaming service have affected the recent Fox negotiations. Also interesting how such a story comes at a time of speculation around such a service… Elsewhere the FFA have fired a warning shot at Newcastle Jets owner Martin Lee, saying the Chinese owner needs to invest in his club or have his license stripped from him. The Jets do appear to be edging towards a deal with a Sydney based buyer so it could be a race against time. Will Newcastle change hands before the FFA pull the plug? They have done it in the past with Nathan Tinkler…
Beyond the farcical escape from Victoria, Melbourne Victory look to be closing in on a new head coach. Traianos Dellas is the name on everyone’s lips. Who? Dellas is a fairly well known name throughout Greece having been an integral cog in their Euro 2004 win. But how is he as a manager? Tough to say. Dellas was the man behind AEK Athens’ rise throughout the leagues following financial difficulty and relegation, but the second and third tiers of Greek football are where most of his career wins occurred. Stints at Atromitos Athen and Panetolikos (both in the first tier) haven’t gone so well - Dellas averaged 1.55 and 1.23 points per game respectively according to transfermarkt - and the man is yet to manage outside of his homeland. Reportedly the 44-year-old has beat out competition from current Wellington Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay. According to the story above it was due to concerns of how to remove him from the year left on Phoenix manager's contract, although I’m personally not convinced Talay wants to leave Wellington. The man himself did also dismiss the reports as “speculation” in a recent interview with Andrew Voerman.
There’s actually been a smattering of interviews with Phoenix stars this week although none were done by me. I’m a terrible journalist, I know. Liberato Cacace chatted about his future which seems increasingly uncertain as overseas clubs circle. There’s reported interest from Belgium (although not from Kevin Muscat’s club) as well as the Netherlands. It’s understandable why there’s interest as Cacace has been the best fullback in the league over the past few seasons however the problem is not if such a move will happen, but when. The Europeans are keen to have the teenager come as soon as possible but currently there is still an A-League trophy to be won. Sticky situation. Ulises Dávila meanwhile talked to SBS about leaving pandemic stricken Mexico for Australia. Full credit to the bloke as leaving his newborn must absolutely suck, but it’s a testament to his commitment to the Nix. Ka pai, Ulises. Jason Pine also spoke to Nix youngster Sam Sutton, but about what I don’t know. It’s premium content and I’m yet to make a cent off my writing so I’m not paying for a Herald subscription. If I don’t get paid for my journalism, no one does. Anyway to round out Wellington’s section they beat the Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 in a friendly. Matti Steinmann, Jaushua Sotirio and Luke DeVere all got on the score sheet. Not the names you would expect to see.
Also, Nix General Manager David Dome was on the Total Football podcast this week.
Some interesting stuff is also coming out of the Brisbane Roar: They’ve announced they will be building a “Regional Centre of Excellence” on the Fraser Coast. This has gotten caught up in local politics with the mayor saying it justifies the $55 million spent on the Fraser Coast Sports Precinct. Reportedly the Roar’s centre of excellence will bring 6500 people to Fraser if Australian local politics is the sort of thing you’re interested in. Over in the UK Robbie Fowler - who never apologised to Nerisa - is looking at the Birmingham City job. Not much to say there other than he should have apologised to Nerisa. But Fowler isn’t the only one abandoning Brisbane with on loan midfielder Aiden O’Neill returning to Burnley. However, he’s being tracked by Melbourne City as a replacement for Denis Genreau who himself is off to Macarthur.
Transfer talk: Beyond O’Neill, Dellas, Talay and Cacace, Bayern Munich star Javi Martinez has been linked with a move to Aussie which is exciting as hell. According to Marca, Martinez has achieved everything with Bayern and wants to move on to either the MLS or Australia. He’s mentioned being interested in going down under a couple years back although that was in a travel context. If we’re using travel quotes to justify a transfer this rumour gets the raised eyebrow from me, but getting hyped over transfers is part of being a football fan and the idea of Martinez in the A-League is pretty fun to think about. So get hyped, but without expectations.
Adelaide United have also promoted Dakota Ochsenham (what a name) to the first team. Not really a transfer but the club are treating it as such so it gets a mention here. Don’t expect to see him starting soon however; Paul Izzo has the starting position on lock.
Peak A-League (ignoring the escape from Victoria): In what may have led to Ochsenham’s promotion, former United goalie Isaac Richards has decided to out do Joe Champness and has switched from football to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). The A-League never fails to deliver.
In second place, this image of City head coach Erik Mombaerts looking like a hit man also spawned some great memes on SokkahTwitter;
While it’s not this past week, I recently wrote an article ranking the top ten Peak A-League moments. Shameless self promotion, I know.
Interviews, interviews, and more interviews: While I’ve already discussed some of the Phoenix ones there were tones of interviews everywhere this week. Bruce Djite and Kyah Simon talked about racism in Australian football with ESPN in what’s both a really good and really important read, Tribal Football spoke to Jets head coach Carl Robinson on what drew him to the A-League and gives a good look into a newcomer’s first impressions of Australian football, The Roar have a long form discussion with Newcastle captain Nigel Boogard, Jacob Tratt has a yarn on what the NSW hub is like on Perth Glory’s website, and Dom Bossi chatted to Ben Warland who has a chance to play again thanks to odd timing of this year’s competition.
Two more stories to finish us off: Recently retired Kiwi custodian Glen Moss has joined Macarthur as their goalkeeping coach. Exciting to see a Kiwi move into the coaching space in what’s hopefully the first step in a long and fruitful career. Meanwhile the clubs in the ACL could be playing without break until July with the AFC penciling in the rest of the Champions League group stages in October - during the A-League off season. Given domestically the 2020/21 season will probably be beginning in December, this could produce constant hence potentially dangerous football for the Victory, Glory, and Sydney.
That’s all for this week. Give myself or Total Football a yell on twitter if there’s a story we missed and I’ll try to promote it somewhere. Otherwise, not sure when this article will happen again. If there’s demand it may become a weekly thing.
Top 10 Peak A-League moments
As anyone who has spent five seconds on SokkahTwitter will know, Peak A-League moments are a part of Australian football. From the London Football Exchange to the FFA Cup Seagull and the recent shenanigans on Victoria’s border, we have accepted the A-League for what it is.
But in a field with such rich competition, which moment reigns supreme? This was the question I asked to SokkahTwitter, creating the greatest twitter thread of all time. With 87 comments and over 50 nominations I realised the true nature of my herculean task.
It was painful and arduous to separate the Joe Champness’ from the pitch invader on crutches, but I got there in the end. But thanks to my completely objective opinions my top ten will cause exactly no debate and shall be universally agreed upon. However before we dig in, it would be remiss not to have some honourable nominations. Believe me, it was hard to constrain myself to just five.
Honourable nominations: Vedran Janjetović costing the Wanderers two points in the stupidest way possible, Usain Bolt , The London Football Exchange, Archie Thompson two footing a kid, and Matt Simon.
10. Damian Mori’s wedding ring
This is why I love twitter. You can learn about Peak A-League events which occured before I knew what football was! Thanks to Anthony Vescio I learnt about the Peak A-League moment all the way back in 2005. Were the dinosaurs roaming around back in those dark ages? Or was 2005 the medieval era?
The then Perth Glory striker Damian Mori was ordered to remove his ring just before kickoff between Perth and Melbourne Victory, but due to a fractured finger from seven years ago was unable to comply with the instructions. Perth had to start the game with ten men, and after continuous failures to remove the ring the Glory were forced to sub on Brian Deane in his stead. Mori would later have to cut the ring off.
9. Joe Champness quits football to become a rapper
Joe Champness was one of the most promising youngsters at the Newcastle Jets, with the flying winger being linked with a move to Salford City at just 22. But as it turned out Newcastle was not where Champness’ heart lies, so before the beginning of 2019/20 he abandoned Newy. Not for Salford, not for elsewhere in Europe, not even for another A-League club. He went to the USA pursuing a music deal.
Should his rapping career turn to custard the Jets do have a deal that sees him come back to Newcastle rather than a different A-League club, but still. Oy vey.
8. Kerem Bulut’s offside goal
51 minutes through a 2016/17 clash between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City, Kerem Bulut earned himself a place in the A-League hall of fame.
After being played through Nicolas Martinez Bulut slotted his shot past City keeper Thomas Sorensen. It looked as if Bulut scored the game’s opening goal, and for a fleeting moment Bulut definitely thought he had.
It was only after a solid thirty seconds of mad celebration with the Wanderers faithful that the then 25-year-old would learn the offside flag had been up the whole time. Ouch. But while the goal did not stand, Bulut gained himself something far more valuable; he would gain an eternal spot in the heart of A-League Memes.
7. The ball boy vs Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill needs no introduction. As far as Australian men’s football goes, it doesn’t get bigger than him. Part of the legend is his trademark celebration; the merciless shadow boxing of the corner flag. In 2016’s New Year’s Eve 2-2 draw between the Central Coast Mariners and City, after scoring Cahill locked onto his quarry. The flag would never know what hit it. But this time things went differently. In stepped the saviour all corner flags deserve. A ball boy grabbed the corner flag and moved backwards, keeping Cahill away from his victim.
Balls (I’m not sorry) of steel. The nerve to do that to an all time great… This kid is destined for big things. Anyone heard from him lately?
6. Kosta Barbarouses the repairman
Repairmen cost money, Kosta Barbarouses is free (sort of).
A March 2018 match between Melbourne Victory and Central Coast saw a shot into the side netting cause the net to become unhinged and a gaping hole appeared.
Play stopped as officials floundered, wondering what to do. Enter Barbarouses, the hero the game had. The Kiwi international decided to start training for his post-playing career and with a little lift from a member of the Victory’s coaching staff applied the necessary tape. The goal was fixed and the game saved.
Hmmm… broken goals. I believe in the journalism business this is what we call “foreshadowing.”
5. Perth Glory go over budget
2014/15 looked like it was at long last Perth’s season. One of the A-League’s smaller sides, the Western Australian’s sat atop the table for most of the season and despite some late hiccups finished a respectable third. Time for the Final Series, right?
Haha, no. The Glory were found to have spent $400,000 over the salary cap and were barred from entering the playoffs with a 269,000 fine to boot.
4. VAR fails in the Grand Final
Over the course of it’s three years in the A-League the Video Assistant Referee has gained almost universal hatred from fans and nowhere was it’s incompetence proved more than in the 2017/18 Grand Final between the Jets and Victory.
Barbarouses (back for more Peak A-League) scored the game’s opening goal after a James Donachie header. A header which was unfortunately offside. Painfully offside.
Yet VAR didn’t intervene. There was a glitch and VAR was down in thirty seconds preceding the goal. To the disbelief of everyone everywhere, the goal stood and Victory won the Grand Final. The FFA released a statement on the incident admitting the goal was illegal, but it was too little too late. Victory were already the champions of Australia.
To make matters worse for Newcastle, this was their first finals appearance in eight long years.
3. Jerseygate
Ok, this was in the Asian Champions League, but my article? My rules.
In January 2018 Brisbane Roar lost 3-2 to Phillipino side Ceres-Negros, but the wheels weren’t the only thing to come off that night. Squad numbers for some reason began to peel with Ivan Franjic, Eric Bautheach, and Jamie Young all falling victim to the embarrassment of jerseys with drooping numbers.
The Roar had no replacement shirts with the correct numbers. Panic took over as the numbers peeled more and more. Eventually an on pitch ironing board plus tape proved to be the fix, in a good display for Peak A-League’s first outing in Asia.
2. Frank Lowy falls off stage
The Victory have just completed the double, beating Sydney FC 3-0 in the 2014/15 Grand Final. Now for what they’ve been waiting for. The toilet seat. FFA Chairman Frank Lowy comes on stage to hand them the prize, but first it’s time for some impressions with Lowy doing his best Neymar by falling off the stage.
While it was no doubt painful for the 84-year-old, it was perhaps the most fitting end to an A-League season that we’ve had. And, we got this truly incredible edit from Patrick Barnes as a result:
1. Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners
It couldn’t be anything else, could it? Seriously, any one of the events which happened during the 2018 NYE clash could have been placed here, but so many Peak A-League moments in one game… Glorious. Just glorious.
The best part was the 40 minute delay caused by a goal post breaking in the tenth minute, meaning that both sides had to use training goals as regulations state both goals must be the same size. Given Perth scored both pre-breakage and post-breakage in both halves, they became the first A-League side to score in three goals.
But the fun didn’t stop there. Fox broadcaster Daniel McBreen called the Mariners “F--king dogs--t” on air. Fireworks interrupted the game. A part of the stand was fenced off as a native bird was nesting there. Oh, and there was a kid with a BB gun.
Which A-League club needs fans most?
The COVID-19 pandemic is putting home advantage to the test.
The A-League is gearing up for the long awaited restart, and while it’ll be so damn good to have Aussie football back on our screens, for the interim football will be just that. On screens. While NZ and some Oz states have shown hope with their tackling of the virus, there’s also Victoria. It’s possible we’ll have the stadiums full by season end, but who knows. For the moment, it seems most likely that the immediate restart will be in lifeless stadiums. Even if/when fans return a NSW hub means only NSW teams will benefit.
Therefore the question now is how can clubs hope to fare with their home advantage stripped from them? While there’s a multitude of factors to consider, I’ve plotted the amount of away games clubs won as a percentage of the total victories in 2019/20 to show how well a side performs away from fans.
Due to Google Sheets’ plotting of the graph, it’s easy to overlook how Western United and Perth Glory have won 50% of their away games. But the main attraction and shock is how the Western Sydney Wanderers stand atop of this table despite their lowly league standing. For whatever reason the Wanderers hate pleasing their fans with a solid 58% of the wins coming away from home. That said, the Wanderers’ have just won seven times all season, so don’t expect zero spectators to result in Western Sydney lifting the toilet seat.
Premier League - Insurgents falter
One of the most pleasing things about football is to see an unfancied team do well. It happens on a surprisingly regular basis in the supposedly stratified Premier League. Leicester set the standard with a freakish title win in 2015/16. But quite often teams that have only just scraped out of the Championship will challenge the top 4, at least for a season or two.
Sheffield United have been this season’s surprise package. Second best to Norwich in the Championship last time, they have left the Canaries for dead in the Premier League. If they are remembered for nothing else this season, it will be for the concept of overlapping centre backs. Either because this unlikely tactical novelty, where the Blades’ ball playing centre halves push up onto the wings on attack, dies out, or because it somehow finds its way into mainstream tactical orthodoxy.
Sheffield United’s run has been about systems. They have not had a prolific goal scorer, in fact it has often been frustrating to watch their hard working and enterprising attacking midfielders labour in front of goal. But the team’s overall coherence and common belief has propelled them into contention for the top four.
It finally came unstuck at Burnley. They built pressure but were unable to create much. Burnley had the better chances with some fast counter attacks. In the end a 1-1 draw has probably ended Sheffield United’s faint hopes of champions league qualification.
It was a bad round for the insurgents. For the past two seasons Wolves have also followed the template. With a compact passing style and ruthless counter attacking, they have beaten a number of big teams, most notably Man City at the Etihad. Against Arsenal, the tantalising Traore made chances for himself and teammates upfront. His cross for Jota was a bit unfortunate not to earn a penalty when the Wolves striker was nudged in the back.
Arsenal showed general stability and control in midfield, and two moments of class upfront. Saka’s intuitive finish from a deflected cross gave them the lead, and then Lacazette burst in front of his marker and slid the ball back in off the post. Arsenal’s revival is probably too late for their own top 4 hopes, but it has possibly put paid to Wolves’.
City take a symbolic scalp
Liverpool went to City hoping to emphasise their dominance. Instead they were thrashed 4-0. The opening 20 minutes gave little indication it would turn out like this. Liverpool came out confidently and had the better of the early attacks, and one had to remind oneself how rare it was to see City on the back foot at home. On 19 minutes a stinging Salah shot from outside the box only troubled the post. And that was as close as Liverpool got. It was City’s turn to play with champion-esque swagger. Gradually turning the run of play and ruthlessly punishing a ragged defence. Kevin de Bruyne was back to his best, the combination of his vision and quick feet, releasing his team mates into decisive attacking positions. Unlike Liverpool, City were clinical in front of goal.
But 3 days later the season’s narrative has resumed. Early on City conceded yet another sloppy goal, this time to Southampton, and couldn’t buy one themselves. Meanwhile Liverpool eventually overran Aston Villa, a Curtis Davis goal raising hopes that the Reds’ youth production line will roll on for next season.
Premier League - Liverpool win the title
Liverpool win the title...at Chelsea
Going into the game Chelsea had the chance to knock their opposition out of the title race. And with a goal in the game’s final quarter they finally did. As Hazard curled a shot around Lloris, Tottenham heads dropped in despair. Celebrations erupted in Leicester as the Foxes were crowned champions for 2015/16.
Four seasons later Chelsea did their spoiler act again. But hardly anyone noticed it had become a club speciality. Maybe because there was a lot more to say about the new champions, Liverpool. This season was billed as another epic struggle between English football’s two most dominant teams. Only Liverpool have kept to the script. They have steamrollered the rest of the league, while City’s defensive frailties have reduced them to a dangerous cup team.
It’s often said that to become champions you have to win games when you are not at your best. Liverpool have done plenty of that this season. As they ground out results through January and February they appeared stuck in third gear. Against Crystal Palace in midweek, however, the engine was purring again.
To borrow a phrase from Rob Smyth, Fabinho combined rough house and art house. His telescopic legs were a nuisance to the Palace midfield. And his weighted pass over the top for Salah showed vision and deft technique. With the platform laid, the Liverpool front three made short work of the Palace defence. Liverpool’s fourth goal, a long range counter attack involving all three of Firmino, Salah and Mané, was emphatic.
After the game Guardiola forced out some congratulatory remarks. Liverpool visit City in their next game, but many will already be thinking about next season. Liverpool appear at the peak of their powers after a term where nearly everything went right. City, meanwhile, are licking their wounds. Frustrated at losing their mojo in the league, and furious about possible ejection from Europe.
A tough slog out of the bottom three
Both Watford and Southampton have looked destined for relegation at times this season, and both have fought back. Here Watford were in greater need of points, but it was Southampton who played with more conviction.
Early on Watford shifted the ball sideways and tried to release their wide men on the flanks. Once Sarr did find his way to the byline on the right, but his pullback evaded everyone in a crowded box.
Southampton then began to assert themselves. Unlike Watford, they found a way to advance up the middle with neat, crisp passes. A pass from Long gave Ings a decent shooting opportunity which he sliced wide from the left.
Ings did not make the same mistake a few minutes later. Again Watford were able to stroke the ball up the middle. Receiving the ball on outside the box in the left channel, he ignored the close attention of three defenders and fired past Foster into the bottom right corner. Watford pushed hard in the second half, only for Ings to latch on to a loose throw from the Watford keeper and drive into the box, this time smashing the ball into the bottom left of Foster’s goal. The final score would end 3-1. Southampton are now all but safe, Watford have it all to do.
High flying Phoenix looking to finish what they started
In March 2020, a pandemic halted the best ever Wellington Phoenix season. Because of course it did.
You would have forgiven Ufuk Talay & Co. for banging their head against a wall after everything everywhere shut down. For a club which has suffered so much, from Darjie Kalezić to nearly being kicked out of the league and the Mark Rudan saga, things had at long last gone right for Wellington. Talay had proved his genius, the football was beautiful and it was a young and vibrant team. Finally, a controversy-free season.
Haha, no. COVID-19. A league continuing despite health risks. Tim Payne and Oliver Sail breaking quarantine. A return to a shut down NZ. Fox causing uncertainty about the league’s future. While for once the spotlight wasn’t on Wellington, controversy had returned to mar their season.
Things finally look to be clearing up, both in terms of coronavirus - Victoria aside - and football. Last week the Phoenix jetted off to Australia where they’ll complete their season with a new Fox deal to boot. Despite everything that’s occurred over the past few months, there’s a real sense of optimism amongst the Nix's squad. Vice-captain Alex Rufer was one of the players who fronted the media before their departure, and with him there was an air of optimism as he spoke about the future.
“It's unfortunate we have to leave our families behind, but everyone is buzzing. Everyone is looking to finish off what we started.
“I really believe this group can do something special. We’re really just dying to get over there and start training, to get all the boys back together and see what we can do.”The Phoenix came off a run of four wins on the trot - their equal best record - but according to Rufer, that momentum is still with them.
“We’re all confident. We’re gonna be fit. We’ve still got a month of preparation before our first game so I still do believe we have momentum.
“Look, teams are scared to play us. We take the game to the opposition now.
“The depth will be key. There will be good opportunities for players who haven’t played as much, and it’s gonna show off how deep our squad is. It’s like a mini tournament. This is what we play football for.”
Being stuck in Australia until the end of August is something which would give most people pause. Because let’s be honest, it’s Australia. But it’s not something which daunts Rufer. As is a theme for the 24-year-old, he was upbeat.
“Since I became a professional I’ve done something similar almost once a year with the national team so for me it’s just another day. I’ve been away from home for as long as I can remember so I just focus on my job - to play and win football games. When we go over there, it’s business as usual.”
While Rufer was nothing but positive, it’s easy to see why he wouldn’t have always felt that way. During the dark days of the Fox-FFA negotiations everyone was clueless. But now it’s all finally sorted for another 18 months, Rufer, the league, and fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
“I’m just happy we’ve all come to an agreement.
“There was a stage where we were quite worried; will there be a season next year? But now it’s sorted so players and teams can start to think longer term.”
Wellington’s season will restart on July 17th against league leaders Sydney FC.
Jeremy Anderson joins the Total Football NZ Team
Jeremy Anderson has joined Total Football NZ as our Premier League correspondent.
Based in Lancashire, he will write a weekly column on the English top flight. Jeremy loves talking about what happens on the field, and is also intrigued by what happens off it, particularly the power structures of the modern game and football’s relationship with politics (Jeremy has a PhD in economic geography so he can’t help it). Controversially, he supports two teams in red, Liverpool FC and Middlesbrough FC.
You can check out Jeremy’s first piece here - Premier League Match Review - Everton vs Liverpool
