Round 12 of the National Premier League throws up some huge matches. With just 1 point separating 8th from 13th on the ladder, the first ever NPL Queensland relegation battle is heating up.
How will new leaders Western Pride deal with being on top, and will Olympic FC rebound from suffering their first loss of the season? It’s set to be an exciting weekend of action.
By Brett Sinclair
Redlands United FC | vs | Western Pride FC
Cleveland Showgrounds | Friday | 7pm
Redlands host new leaders
Redlands United FC are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s loss, coming up against the Western Pride FC this Friday night at Cleveland Showgrounds.
The 5-3 loss against the Magpies Crusaders would be hard to understand for fans of Redlands’ United, given they had a 3-0 lead at halftime, and blew it in the second half after having control of the game.
Redlands United couldn’t have asked for a bigger opportunity to make a statement than against Western Pride FC, who are top of the table after winning 6-1 last week over Brisbane Roar FC Youth.
SWQ Thunder FC | vs | Gold Coast United FC
Clive Berghofer Stadium | Saturday | 5pm
SWQ Thunder’s chance to sneak above Gold Coast
SWQ Thunder FC will be aiming to continue Gold Coast United’s losing streak on Saturday at Clive Berghofer Stadium.
Sitting only one point behind Gold Coast United, SWQ Thunder have the perfect opportunity to compound GCU’s three-game losing streak. After drawing 0-0 last week though, SWQ Thunder will need to put on the scoring boots.
Gold Coast United let in four goals last weekend, and will need to stay focused for longer as a side after letting in three second-half goals.
Brisbane Strikers FC | vs | North QLD United FC
Perry Park 1 | Saturday | 6pm
Brisbane Striker FC’s chance to join top dogs
The Brisbane Strikers FC will be looking to keep the momentum going after last weekend’s big win over Olympic FC, taking on North QLD United on Saturday at Perry Park.
The Strikers are now two wins from first place, and have the opportunity to stake their own claim at the top of the table after ending Olympic FC’s undefeated run.
North QLD United will need to keep the backline tighter if they are to get a result away from home, losing 4-0 at home last week.
Brisbane City FC | vs | Magpies Crusaders FC
Corporate Travel Management Stadium | Saturday | 6:30pm
Magpies aim to build on comeback win
Brisbane City FC need to be wary of the Magpies Crusaders this Saturday at Corporate Travel Management Stadium.
After the Magpies Crusaders incredible comeback from 3-0 down at halftime to win 5-3 last week, Brisbane City cannot afford to switch off, given the flurry of goals the Magpies Crusaders showed they can produce from the week before.
The Magpies Crusaders have a great opportunity to build on a positive result, and to turn their season around by climbing the ladder.
Sunshine Coast FC | vs | Olympic FC
Kawana Sports Western Precinct 2 | Saturday | 7pm
Can Olympic recover winning touch?
Sunshine Coast FC will face a tough challenge against Olympic FC on Saturday night at Kawana Sports Western Precinct.
After suffering their first loss of the season in a 1-0 defeat to the Brisbane Strikers FC, Olympic FC will be wanting to rediscover their winning formula, and get back on top of the table again.
Sunshine Coast had a 0-0 draw last weekend, and will be wary of an eager Olympic FC aiming to make a statement to the rest of the competition from last weekend’s blip on the radar.
Brisbane Roar FC Youth | vs | Lions FC
Logan Metro Sports Complex | Saturday | 7pm
Roar aim to keep in touch with Lions FC
The Brisbane Roar FC Youth are aiming to tame the Lions FC on Saturday night at Logan Metro Sports Complex.
Sitting in 6th position, currently five points away from the Lions in 3rd position, the Brisbane Roar FC Youth will be looking to bridge the gap, and to make something of themselves this season at the top.
It won’t be easy though, as the Lions are coming off a hard-fought 3-0 win against Cairns FC, and look to be in fine form winning their last five games.
Cairns FC | vs | Moreton Bay United FC
Barlow Park | Sunday | 3pm
Moreton Bay face Cairns test Sunday
Cairns FC will be looking to make life difficult for Moreton Bay United on Sunday at Barlow Park.
After proving difficult to finish off in a 3-0 loss to the high-flying Lions FC last weekend, Cairns FC will know they are every chance to inflict pain on Moreton Bay United’s push to remain in the hunt at the top of the table.
Moreton Bay are currently on a three-game undefeated streak, and will be a similar test to the one Cairns FC faced last week against the Lions FC.
