Something has got to give today when two of the unbeaten Footballsouth Premier League sides, Mosgiel and Spirit FC, meet in Invercargill.
Mosgiel has already captured the prize scalp of champion side Caversham and has a handy combination of sturdy defence and broad-ranging attack.
Pundits reckoned that losing last year's Irish professional, Colin Falvey, would cripple the Plainsmen, but Mosgiel has only conceded three goals this season and scored nine in three matches.
Player-coach Mike McGarry may not generate the pace he once did but his superb craft and technique on the ball is still an object lesson for young players.
Even older than McGarry, striker Phil Kelly's unbridled energy still blows away the opposition.
He has Brazilian ball control that leaves defenders flat-footed and a clinical two-footed technique that few can match.
Kelly's goals are rarely tap-ins, more likely acrobatic volleys and bicycle kicks, and he has already notched five for Mosgiel.
Mosgiel also has its share of younger talent.
Regan Coldicott is a fine young prospect with true pace and the ability to punish defences.
The Day brothers, Morgan and Curtis, are talented, and raw power comes in the shape of Brad Johnstone and Tom Bekkers.
Mosgiel also has an experienced core of journeymen in Shayne Danielson, Dom Vettise and keeper Pat Howel, who will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in Invercargill.
Spirit FC may lack depth, indicated by the oldest player in the FPL, Kenny Cresswell, forsaking midfield to play in goal last week.
However, player-coach Barry Gardiner has injected new confidence into the Invercargill side.
Partnered by fellow Scots professional Craig Milne, who anchors the defence, Gardiner can unhinge defences and has hard-working support from his young side.
Roslyn-Wakari should also remain unbeaten after playing the Otago Youth side at the Caledonian Ground today.
However, Roslyn left it late to finish off Varsity last week, and the Otago Youth side only lost to Northern due to a 90th-minute goal, so perhaps the game might end up surprisingly even.
At Tahuna Park, Dunedin Technical should be too strong for Northern, but at Ocean Grove there is a new confidence that could make the Grants Braes-Green Island match a tight one.
Caversham coach Steve Fleming will be looking for more incisive play when his side travels to Queenstown.
• FA Cup Television schedule
Both FA Cup semifinals are screening live on TV One this weekend.
> Arsenal v Chelsea, tomorrow, 4:15am
> Manchester United v Everton, Monday, 3am
