Football: Mosgiel looking to peg back leader

With Caversham threatening to vanish over the horizon at the top of the Football South Premier League, today's match against Mosgiel has become extremely significant.

After 11 games, Caversham has 29 points. Second-placed Dunedin Technical and Mosgiel each has a game in hand and are on 22 and 21 points respectively.

There is a six-point gap down to midtable, where Roslyn-Wakari and Green Island are scrapping for a respectable placing.

Recent huge wins by Caversham have boosted that club's goal difference to 43, almost twice that of Technical, and almost as intimidating as Caversham's 52 goals scored is the tight defensive record of only nine goals conceded this season.

Coach Tim Horner's team has erred only a couple of times, in 2-2 draws in matches with Technical and Mosgiel, which should make today's clash at Memorial Park even tastier as Mosgiel tries to break back into the reckoning.

Much depends on the effect that Eder Franchini has for the Plainsmen, since the Chilean has clearly been influential, along with Morgan Day in midfield, lifting the form of youngsters Cody Brook and Rahan Ali.

Mosgiel's defence has been well organised by keeper Zane Green, as coach Andrew Brook selects from a talented group that includes the likes of Aaron Corkill, Tom Kindley, Jesse Wright, Isaac Snell and Michael Bu.

Mosgiel's game-breaker could be striker Regan Coldicott, one of that rare breed of specialist strikers who can win matches against the odds.

However, Caversham has similar match-winners in the Jackson brothers, Tom and Lewis, who thrive on good service from Caversham providers Seamus Ryder, Sam Collier, Andrew Ridden and Jared Groves.

Defensive anchorman Rhys Henderson can take a large slice of credit for Caversham's impeccable defence, ably assisted by Craig Ferguson and spring-heeled student Logan Wrightwebb, and Jude Fitzpatrick's power play.

Another close encounter will be at the Caledonian Ground, where underperforming sides University and Northern lock horns.

Dunedin Technical plays Green Island at Tahuna Park, and while player-coach Aaron Burgess will expect a win, the lads from Sunnyvale will try to spoil his party.

Golden Boot co-leader Tim McLennan, vying with Caversham striker Lewis Jackson on eight goals, will be keen to improve his tally.

Tomorrow, Roslyn-Wakari plays the Milk Cup squad at Bayfield, and there is a full round of the Women's Premier League, with matches between Dunedin Technical Maroon and University B, Roslyn-Wakari and University Premier, and competition leader Technical and Queenstown.

There are some upcoming FPL matches scheduled for midweek at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The first is between Roslyn-Wakari and University on Tuesday. On Thursday, Northern faces Caversham, and on July 14, Green Island plays Dunedin Technical.

These league fixtures free up space for next Saturday's doubleheader at the Caledonian Ground.

Dunedin Technical and Mosgiel will meet in the Chatham Cup, and the Women's Knock-Out Cup tie will be between Dunedin Technical and Coastal Spirit.