In its last game of the season, the side will face Auckland at Tahuna Park as it looks to gain its first points of the season.
There have been some tough results for the young team this season, although it went close to breaking its bad streak with a 2-1 loss to Central last week. This week represents another winnable game, Auckland having only picked up one win so far this season, a 5-1 victory over Central two weeks ago.
"It should be a tight game, hopefully," Southern assistant coach Tom Stevens said.
"They had their bye last week, so hopefully that should make things a little bit difficult for them."
He expected Auckland to be a tougher team than the results would indicate, Stevens said, as there were several age-grade international players in the set-up. Southern has looked to its high press this season, trying to pressure its opponents into turning the ball over with an eye to converting that into goals. Two weeks ago it used that press well for 60 minutes against WaiBOP, before falling away, but was able to hold out with it for the full 90 minutes against Central.
"I think it’s definitely a strength of our game, being physical, being in their faces and trying to disrupt the opposition."
It had been a funny feeling losing to Central. The team was happy to have played well, but was disappointed that it was unable to claim the win.
"We were looking to get three points out of that game. It was probably the first game that the result has reflected the closeness of the match, but at the same time it was frustrating that we couldn’t quite do the business at the end, but that’ll be good motivation."
Playing at home would give the team a lift, as it remained positive after training well in challenging conditions this week.
"I think for the girls going into the game with the home support, and positive home support as well, that will give them a bit of a boost. It might be the difference between what happened last week or maybe nabbing another goal and getting another point or turning a draw into three points."
Southern United women v Auckland
Tahuna Park, today 1pm
Southern United: Jade Middleditch, Sophie Dijkstra, Jordyn Walker, Kelsey Kennard, Annabel Gilchrist, Kate Guildford, Renee Bacon, Mikayla Gray, Lara Wall, Olivia de Ronde, Caitlin Taylor-Lynch, Stephanie Lee, Tabitha Seaton, Holly Johnstone, Holly White, Ruby Coers.
Auckland: Georgia Martin, Jenna Dodd, Leah Mettam, Ally Toailoa, Tessa Leong, Jess Philpot, Deven Jackson, Britney Cunningham-Lee, Maisy Dewell, Hannah Kraakman, Annie Byrne, Evie Millynn, Nicole Mettam, Alosi Bloomfield, Bella Richards, Ashleigh Emery.
