Forsyth Barr Stadium We have met Southern United once before at Forsyth Barr Stadium – the 6-1 victory back in 2013/14. On that day Nik Robson was the hero after a four goal haul in what is still our largest ASB Premiership victory. Waikato FC, our predecessor, beat Otago United 2-0 there in 2011/12 and 6-1 in 2012/13. Forsyth Barr also hosted seven games in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, including three involving champions, Serbia. Football fans will also remember this as the venue for the All Whites’ 2-1 victory over New Caledonia in 2013, when an added time header from Tommy Smith ensured New Zealand would top the OFC FIFA World Cup qualifying standings and progress to the play-off with Mexico.
Loaded WaiBOP United against Southern United P: 4, W: 4, D: 0, L: 0, GF: 13, GA: 4.
Southern United grabbed their first win of the season, a 1-0 home victory over the Wellington Phoenix, last weekend and sit level with us on three points. While we have an excellent record against Southern, both sides know that today’s winner will move level with Team Wellington and Canterbury United and be placed right in the play-off mix. That could lead to an open encounter or a cagey snorefest. Let’s hope that, with the Sky Sport cameras present, it’s the former.
Line-ups
Southern United: Tom Batty; Tom Conner, Matt Joy, Tristan Prattley, Sam Redwood (Harley Rodeka 62′); Rhys Ruka, Andrew Ridden, Seamus Ryder, Tim McLennan (Michael Hogan 90′); Sam French, Andrew Mobberley (Tom McBride 62′). Subs (not used): Zane Green, Jude Fitzpatrick.
Loaded WaiBOP United: Zac Speedy, Scott Hilliar, Adam Mitchell, Adam Luque, Finn Cochran; Mario Ilich (Alexis Varela 71′), Xavier Pratt; Mark Jones, Federico Marquez (Tom Probert 88′), Wade Molony; Stephen Hoyle (Maksim Manko 82′). Sub (not used): Louie Caunter.
Southern United 1-2 Loaded WaiBOP United
SU: Mobberley 61′.
WB: Hoyle 10′, 55′.
