Football: Burgess key man as top sides clash

Aaron Burgess
Aaron Burgess
Both ends of the Footballsouth Premier league will come into sharp focus today when top sides Caversham and Dunedin Technical tussle at Tahuna Park and bottom teams Otago Youth and Grants Braes clash at the Caledonian.

Unbeaten Technical is sure to attract a large crowd to its match, which starts at 2.45pm. There was strong support for coach Mike Fridge's side as it fended off Roslyn-Wakari 2-0 last week.

An ace for Technical is striker Aaron Burgess, who has 16 goals from five matches.

Unlike some specialist strikers, Burgess is not just a goal poacher and has an all-round game based on hard work and committed tackling.

After earlier losing to Mosgiel, Caversham generated some momentum last week with a 7-0 demolition of Invercargill side Spirit FC, a side greatly improved from last season.

A hat trick to young Caversham striker Tom Jackson, two goals to David Dugdale and one to Robbie Deeley suggest a broad attack, with former Golden Boot winner Tim Cook still to make his presence felt.

Patrick Fleming may be back from America, and his return would bolster coach Steve Fleming's side.

Technical may have an edge in its defence, which has conceded just one goal, while Caversham has let in six, but the match is most likely to be decided in midfield.

In the only early game, both bottom sides have a backs-to-the-wall look.

Grants Braes, recently strengthened by the signing of Jamie Taylor, will look to dominate Otago's Youth side.

Youth coach Neil Mackenzie possibly has longer-range targets than Braes, and has been rotating players to continually assess his under-17 side. Several youngsters are not available this week.

Quietly tucked in third position, Mosgiel is also unbeaten and coach Mike McGarry enjoys the low profile.

However, today's opponent, Green Island, scores and concedes goals in an erratic manner, and has home advantage at Sunnyvale.

Another volatile mix features Alan Bain's University side taking on Northern at the Caledonian Ground.

Both are perched on six points and need maximum points to secure a top-four place.

Still licking wounds from last week's 7-0 mauling, Spirit FC travels to Queenstown for another difficult fixture. Roslyn-Wakari has the bye.

 

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