Matches over the Easter period will seriously test the ambitions of all clubs in the FootballSouth Premier League as two full rounds are played today and Monday.
Leading clubs will aim to stay on track for silverware and, thanks to staggered kick-offs, fans can assess the relative strengths today of Dunedin Technical and Roslyn-Wakari (Tahuna Park, 12.45pm) and University and Caversham (Caledonian, 2.45pm).
Technical coach Aaron Burgess has ticked all the boxes with a secure team that balances tight defence and eager attack with a hard-working ethos that pressurises the opposition.
Tom McBride leads the attack with a strong presence, especially in the air, while Alistair Rickerby buzzes and young Taylor McCormack, after a hat-trick last week, has the taste for more goals.
Keeper Tom Batty and centre backs Matt Joy and Andy Douglas form a defensive core, supplemented by fullbacks Ross Howard and evergreen Justin Flaws, who both have the appetite for attacking runs.
Roslyn-Wakari suffered blows with injuries to midfielder Sam Mepham and Cam Attwood, which reduces squad depth, but coach Colin Thom is confident his XI will be competitive.
Roslyn will need effective form from Jacob Schneider, Aajay Cunningham, Geordie Mansford, Tom Connor and rapidly improving keeper Mike Rae.
There should be goals in the University-Caversham clash as two attacking teams lock horns knowing the pivotal nature of this fixture.
Caversham was slightly exposed last week, as Queenstown showed its teeth to score a couple and, but for a penalty well saved by keeper Liam Little, the Central Otago crew might have caused an upset, before a final 4-2 Caversham win.
University will play its usual cavalier game, full of pace and attacking flair, but now tempered by an improving ability to keep the ball for longer and to launch second-phase attacks instead of only playing ''route one''.
Mosgiel battles the holiday crowds to play Queenstown at the Events Centre. Despite a heavy loss last week, Mosgiel enjoyed a good period when its passing game was working and the team shape held.
Still without Regan Coldicott, Mosgiel might also be without injured Tom Kindley and youngster Hamish Cotter might get a call-up. The good news for Mosgiel is the top form being shown by Morgan Day in the heart of midfield.
Queenstown coach Jamie Whitmarsh intends to pursue his policy of blooding Central Otago youngsters into what could be an impressive team if it continues to improve as it has done in away matches.
A tight contest should entertain at Sunnyvale, where bottom-placed Northern faces a Green Island side stoked up by last week's good performance against Roslyn.
Northern coach Murray Devereux faces another uphill struggle with Jason Anson, Cam Kerr, Emmet MacLauren and Taylor Quirk not available.
However, Aaron Wilkinson returns to join brother Craig to bolster the team spine alongside Cam Higgins' physical defensive presence.
Green Island coach Malcolm Fleming cracked the whip last week and his team certainly showed pace and purpose in attack.
Monday's senior men's matches are: Northern v Dunedin Technical (Caledonian), Roslyn-Wakari v Mosgiel (Ellis Park), University v Queenstown (Logan Park) and Caversham v Green Island (Tonga Park).
