Tech makes winning start to season
CAVERSHAM was on the sidelines with a bye for the opening round of the season, giving the other eight teams an opportunity to make a good start to the competition.
Dunedin Technical made the most of the absence of the Red and Whites and beat University 31, after leading 10 at the break.
Two goals from Tim McLennan and a goal on debut for youngster Rhys Quarrell gave Technical the win.
Technical controlled the first period for long spells and went into halftime ahead, due to a McLennan farpost header. Technical went two ahead through Quarrell before University forced a Technical own goal. McLennan’s second goal of the game ensured Technical took the points.
Roslyn Wakari, having signed Southern United’s Kristian Gibson, along with Southern backup goalkeeper Tom Stevens and experienced national leaguer Harley Rodeka, faced a tricky road trip to Queenstown Rovers.
Roslyn started well but Queenstown saw off the early pressure and took the lead on 26 minutes, following good buildup play and a neat layoff from Joshua Cartman to Lewis Walters, who smashed a rising shot into the top corner.
Both goalkeepers excelled with some top saves in the second half.
In the 85th minute, Josh Gardner showed some neat footwork inside the box and clipped a quality ball in. Following a melee in the box, the ball ended in the back of the net to seal a 20 win.
The derby between Mosgiel and Green Island at Memorial Park was a tight affair, Green Island coming out on top 21.
Mosgiel started slowly and was made to pay the price when Island counterattacked in the 26th minute and went ahead through Oscar McCallion.
Island ensured it had a halftime buffer just before the break when Cody Robinson scored following a corner.
Mosgiel coach Andy Brook moved Riley Anderton into a more central attacking role and he scored midway through the second half. Despite pressing, Mosgiel was unable to come up with the equaliser and Green Island held.
Green Island coach Richard Kerr Bell singled out Aaron Allen, on debut, as having a standout game.
In Invercargill, Southland entertained Northern, both teams being coached by South Americans — suggesting flair would be to the fore.
Southland coach Luis Paiva had an anxious wait for international clearance on some of his new players from Japan, the United States and United Kingdom.
It was no surprise when the quickheeled Ryan Hawken scored for Northern after only seven minutes. Southland equalised moments later through Miguel Ortiz.
Southland scored again in the 34th and 44th minutes, through Jack Boland and Ortiz again, to take a comfortable halftime lead. Boland scored his second on 51 minutes before Northern’s Hawken scored again in the 55th minute.
The game finished with a 42 victory to Southland.