A full-strength Green Island team will play Footballsouth Premier League leader Caversham at Tahuna Park today in its final fixture of the season.
The Malcolm Fleming-coached side will be looking to secure fourth place in the league and hope to spoil Caversham's title aspirations as the Tonga Park side requires two wins in its last two matches to guarantee reclaiming the title from cross-town rival Dunedin Technical.
With an average age of around 19 years, the youngsters from Sunnyvale have made solid progress after two seasons of hard experience at the wrong end of the league table.
Consistent performers for Island have been Liam Dungey in defence and creative midfielders Cody Robinson and Dan Rutter, who have caused opposition defences problems throughout the season.
Caversham will miss the injured Ant Hancock (hamstring) but will otherwise be at full strength as it looks to put one hand on the league trophy.
In the other catch-up match, a full-strength University line up should test second-placed Dunedin Technical at the Caledonian Ground.
University playmaker Gui Melo will attract plenty of tight marking, but the students have some capable strikers and need to finish opportunities when they present themselves to get something out of this match.
Technical will miss David Hayman (collarbone) and Matt Joy through University commitments while Mike Flaws (leg) and Richard Smith (foot) are doubtful starters due to niggling injuries.
A potential trip north is on offer as the South Island Football Championship final between the Mainland Federation champion and Footballsouth champion has been scheduled for September 1.
The trophy, awarded to the winner of the annual playoff fixture, has only Dunedin club names engraved on it so far, something the Mainland champion will looking to change.
By Wilson James.
