Some say there is a wind of change blowing through the Footballsouth Premier League but the old brigade of Caversham and Dunedin Technical looks set to soldier onwards.
Between them, the FPL favourites have already scored an intimidating 33 goals in three games, and conceded only four times, with Darren Overton's five goals giving the Caversham striker a clear lead in the Golden Boot race.
Leading the competition on goal difference, Technical has overcome massive player losses, and the team even enjoyed plaudits from envious locals in beating Spirit FC 7-1 in Invercargill last week.
New management at Caversham has also slid seamlessly into the groove as the young coaching partnership of Richard Murray and Andy Duncan continues with an effective flowing passing game.
Queenstown stoked up statistics with an 11-goal loss to Technical, but did have some excuse in that keeper Ian Roger played on through injury, and made some brave saves.
But the Central Otago side bounced back with an upset 1-0 win over the fancied Varsity side and, in a no-quarter match at Memorial Park, home side Mosgiel drew 2-2 with aspirant Roslyn-Wakari.
Roslyn this week hosts Caversham at Ellis Park, with all FPL kick-offs at 2.45pm.
Roslyn coach Colin Thom was a happy man with a 2-0 lead over Mosgiel, but apart from the penalty and own goal that tied the match, Thom asked for more percentage football, and will be after the same against Caversham.
Caversham's core is still Overton, Jeremy Wild, Harley Rodeka, Ant Hancock, Mike Smith and now keeper Callum Flaws, but there are another 15 names not so well known, and their hunger is the fuel that drives Murray's team.
Top team Technical travels to Mosgiel, where the home side will miss the abrasive presence of Mike Abbott, but Matt Brooks may be withdrawn from his advanced role, and in Jordan Swaney, coach Mike McGarry has a classy wide defender with pace and the ability to drive over quality crosses.
Technical's old heads lead the attack with Aaron Burgess and Richard Smith hard to contain for 90 minutes, and a team shape that follows Fridge's mantra of pass and move.
At the Caledonian Ground, it will be tightrope tactics as fifth-placed University seeks credibility against a Spirit FC attack which has scored only once this season.
Other intriguing matches promise even struggles as Northern hosts surprise package Grants Braes, while bottom team Green Island will not find it easy against Queenstown in Central Otago.
Women's premier football tomorrow features top team Northern playing Technical at Tahuna Park, while Roslyn tries to recover lost ground against University at the Caledonian, and Green Island plays Grants Braes at Sunnyvale.
