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Martin Hunter/PHOTOSPORT
Christchurch United captain Matt Tod-Smith hoists the trophy after winning the Southern League title on the final day.
Christchurch United had to win their final game by eight goals to snatch the Southern League title from Cashmere Technical on goal difference.
They ended up putting 10 past Mosgiel after netting three goals at the death to secure a staggering 10-0 win.
Seven different players got on the scoresheet with Mika Rabuka’s brace off the bench nudging United’s goal difference to +62, three ahead of Tech after Tech beat Dunedin City Royals 5-4 in their final game.
By winning the Southern League in former Wellington Phoenix star Paul Ifill’s first season as coach, United will now join Tech in the National League after missing out to surprise package Selwyn United last year.
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Joining the two Christchurch clubs in the championship phase will be Northern League clubs Auckland City, Birkenhead United, Auckland United and Melville United, and Central League clubs Wellington Olympic, Miramar Rangers, Wellington Phoenix reserves and Napier City Rovers.
Oceania champions Auckland City went through the Northern League campaign without losing to continue their unbeaten run across all competitions in 2022 and add yet another title to their collection.
They finished 11 points clear of Birkenhead with a record of 19 wins and 1 draw.
The Central League title won’t be decided until current leaders Wellington Olympic host Miramar Rangers on September 23 after their final game was postponed.
Olympic lead Miramar by two points and can secure the Central League title with a win or a draw.
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