Our final match of the season is at home against our close rivals, Christchurch United Reserves.
This is a team that stopped us from completing an undefeated first round of the season, and those three points ultimately proved critical in the league campaign. Last week, we also congratulated Nomads United Reserves on securing the league title, with us unable to catch them despite being the closest challengers.
However, in the context of our club and this league, there is still plenty to celebrate.
We have once again finished as the best first team in the league, securing the opportunity to represent ourselves in a two-game playoff against FC Nelson for the chance to be crowned the best Mainland Federation team and earn promotion.
That is a significant achievement and one that deserves to be recognised.
Our circumstances are different to those of a reserves side. We don't have the luxury of additional players and backing each week — we have what is in front of us. That is why the final part of the season has required such a hardened push from everyone involved.
Now, as we enter this final round and prepare for the playoffs, we are delighted to see some key players returning to our environment.
Baxter Coughlan returns after missing nearly three months through injury. Baxter was our leading centre-back and his return gives us another important option heading into the biggest games of the season.
We also welcome back Mo Taqizada, who has been overseas on holiday for the past two months.
And finally, Connor Caswell has returned to the group after welcoming his newborn son, Max, into the world. Congratulations to Connor and Tania on the arrival of their new little Hawk!
A FIRST TEAM DEBUT
We are also incredibly excited to present Flynn Smith with the opportunity to make his First Team debut.
Flynn came through our U17 Academy last season before progressing into our U19s this season. With the support of our coaching team, he has also been introduced to and played regularly for our Championship side.
We believe this is now the right opportunity for Flynn to step up and make an impression at First Team level.
Our pathway can only come from underneath us, and the strength of our two squads this season — challenging strongly in both leagues — demonstrates just how competitive and ambitious our club is becoming.
Well done to Flynn, and well done to everyone who has contributed to his development.
ONE LAST HOME GAME
As we close out the league season, we want to acknowledge every player, coach, staff member, volunteer and supporter who has contributed to what has been an outstanding season.
It has been an absolute pleasure to work in this environment, and as a club we should be incredibly proud of what we have achieved.
Now, we have one final home game.
Get behind this team at Halswell Domain as we take on Christchurch United Reserves, before we travel to Guppy Park in Nelson on Saturday 12 September for the first of our playoff challenges.
We push for our place among the best in the South Island for 2027.
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