- By Henry Lee, AUT Journalism Student
With only two games remaining in the Northern League Men’s Championship season, local football club Fencibles United only need one win from their final two games to gain automatic promotion into next season’s Northern League.
First-place in the Men’s Championship division earns automatic promotion to the Northern League, while the second-place team has a playoff against the 10th-placed team in the Northern League.
Fencibles have led the competition for large parts of the season, holding a four-point lead over second-placed Manukau United.
Third placed Ngaruwahia United are seven points behind the leaders, but can only finish as high as second, in a playoff position.
Fencibles travel to Michaels Avenue this Saturday at 5pm to face mid-table club Ellerslie in what could be the title decider.
Manukau host third-placed Ngaruawahia at Walter Massey Park on Saturday, which also could give Fencibles the title if Manukau drops points.
Fencibles will be eager to finish the job off this weekend, as they have to face challengers Manukau at home next week in the last game of the season.
Title/playoff deciding games:
Game week 21:
Manukau United v Ngaruawahia United – Walter Massey Park 1, Mangere East
Ellerslie United v Fencibles United – Michaels Avenue Reserve, Auckland
Game week 22:
Ngaruawahia United v Takapuna – Centennial Park, Ngaruawahia
Fencibles United v Manukau United – Riverhills Park, Auckland
