Nelson Suburbs Women have opened their Southern League campaign with a tough assignment, holding their own against competition heavyweights Cashmere Technical at a packed Saxton Field on Saturday.
The home side stayed in the contest for long periods before three late goals stretched the final score to 4–0, a margin that did not fully reflect the balance of play.
Coach David Capstick says there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.
“We took a lot of positives from yesterday's performance. I was especially proud of how hard the group worked and how connected we remained defensively for long periods. Keeping the game tight for so long was well-deserved, and while we conceded a couple of top-drawer goals—one in particular was likely the best you’ll see in the league this year—I was pleased with our overall effort.
“Cashmere Technical are consistently one of the best sides in the league with genuine aspirations for the future national league. Matching them for large parts of the game says a lot about the character and commitment of this group.”
Teenage debutant Kasey Brydon says the occasion was a major step up.
“It was always going to be a difficult assignment getting Cashmere Technical first up. It was certainly the biggest game of my career so far to play against a top side like them, and I really enjoyed it.
“The first half was particularly pleasing as we were only down 1–0 at halftime, but their experience took over in the second half.”
Suburbs now face another stern test when they travel to Christchurch this coming weekend to take on Coastal Spirit FC, as they look to secure their first points of the season.
