Mainland chase takes a new twist

Cashmere Technical closed within three points of the lead in the Mainland Premier Football League after defeating Nelson Suburbs 2-1 yesterday, with frontrunners Ferrymead Bays dropping points when drawing with Coastal Spirit.

Other winners were Western and Halswell. Bays lead with 36 points, Technical 33 and Suburbs 30 with four rounds remaining.

Technical's win has set up a mouth-watering clash with Bays next Saturday at Barnett Park, with the game also doubling as a Hurley Shield challenge.

Cashmere Technical coach John Brown was pleased with the win. “It will be a big game against Bays next week and Suburbs are still not out of it, so the title should go to the wire.”

There was plenty of drama at Saxton Oval, with Suburbs going a player down when Erik Panzer was shown the red card for bringing down Ricky Hulbert in the area.

Hulbert then saw the resulting penalty saved by Coey Turipa. Technical then had to replace Dominic Milne due to concussion, with Suburbs player/coach Ben Wright putting his side in front just before the break.

There were chances at both ends before Dan Ede headed home what could prove to be a vital goal in the title race with 10 minutes remaining.

Coastal Spirit, the only side to defeat Ferrymead Bays this season, took more points off the leaders when playing out a 1-all draw.

Mike Willoughby put Coastal ahead in the eighth minute, with Russell Kamo levelling midway through the first half.

- © Fairfax NZ News