The Southern United Herald
Match14 Nov 2026
Southern United win it in stoppage time
The board had gone up, the arguing had started, and then the ball was in the net in the 95th minute. Hawke's Bay United will replay every second of the added time for a week.
Player ratings16 Nov 2026
Chris McCowatt runs at them all day
Successful dribbles: 30. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Player ratings16 Nov 2026
Dane Bell could not have asked for more on his first appearance — 7.20
Debuts are survived rather than enjoyed. This one was enjoyed: 7.20, 0 goals, and a manager already being asked whether he starts again next week.
Match16 Nov 2026
Southern United up to position 3
6 points on the board and a place in the leading group. Nobody at the ground is saying the word out loud yet.
Squad16 Nov 2026
Tempers go at Southern United
Michael Boxall was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad16 Nov 2026
Kosta Bell signs a new deal
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Kosta Bell commits to Southern United for another 3 years.
Squad16 Nov 2026
Words at Southern United training over how hard people work
Somebody said out loud what several people had been thinking. Liberato Nelson is at the centre of it, and the squad will now find out whether the standard rises or the pair of them simply stop speaking.
The terraces16 Nov 2026
Southern United supporters have found a favourite in Dane Bell
There is a particular warmth a ground reserves for a 18-year-old it feels ownership of. Dane Bell has it now, and everything he does for the rest of his time here will be measured against the goodwill he was handed for free.
Match14 Nov 2026
Southern United see off Hawke's Bay United
Three points for Southern United, 1‑0 the final word against Hawke's Bay United in a contest settled by the finer margins.
In brief
- Squad The manager makes an example of Kosta Bell
- Player ratings The afternoon belonged to Stefan Nelson
- Loan watch Francis Cacace wants to come home