Four teams will go head-to-head this weekend in the first round of the National Premier Leagues Women’s (NPLW) Queensland final series.
Following the final round of the regular season last weekend, elimination finals will kick off this weekend while top two teams Lions FC and Moreton Bay United will have the weekend off.
The Gap FC will take on Eastern Suburbs this Saturday, 7 September, at Cornubia Park before Gold Coast United clash with Capalaba FC at John Fredericks Sportsfields just a few hours later.
All matches in the Senior NPLW Finals Series will be available to watch live on FQ Facebook and FQ YouTube.
THE GAP v EASTERN SUBURBS
The Gap has had fairly consistent form throughout the season and finished the regular season in third place on the ladder. While they only won two of their last five games, they ended their regular season on a high with a 9-2 triumph over Brisbane Roar/QAS.
Meanwhile, Eastern Suburbs had the strongest comeback of the season, finishing in sixth place. They only won three games in the first half of the season but bounced back in spectacular fashion, securing nine wins since the halfway point.
The Gap and Eastern Suburbs will now meet in the first round of the NPLW Finals Series, just a month after their Round 24 clash.
Head-to-Head:
The first time the two teams met in Round 11 this year resulted in a tight 1-1 draw after Easts scored an equaliser in the 57th minute.
Their second clash was also another tightly-contested match. The first half was goalless with The Gap leading in possession and chances.
Ultimately, the match led to Easts securing a 1-0 win after captain Tiffany Roberts scored late in the second half.
Key Players:
Ruth Blackburn sits on 16 goals for her team but it’s the midfielder’s leadership and dominance on the field that has proved to be key for The Gap.
Zoe Lambi has been one of the most consistent players for her team throughout the season. Her pace on the ball will be an asset for Easts in this weekend’s Semi Final match.
MATCH DETAILS
The Gap v Eastern Suburbs
Saturday, 7 September, 5pm
Cornubia Park
GOLD COAST UNITED v CAPALABA FC
Gold Coast United have remained consistent since the beginning of the season, winning 14 games and finishing the regular season in fourth place. They won two of their last five games including against second-placed Moreton Bay United.
Capalaba FC meanwhile had a strong start to their season, but their struggles in the second half left them in fifth place at the conclusion of the regular season. In their last five games, they only secured one win and lost crucial games against teams like Moreton Bay United and Eastern Suburbs.
The two sides will now meet again just one month after their Round 23 contest.
Head-To-Head:
The teams first met in Round 10 after Gold Coast United handed Capalaba their first loss of the season.
In a dominating 4-1 win, the home team took control of the match early on and showcased why they are one of the best teams in the competition.
The teams’ second meeting in Round 23 was more tightly contested. An early goal from Capalaba’s Eloise Wadsworth gave them the lead but Gold Coast United bounced back.
Minutes before halftime, the team scored two goals from Paige Taylor and Mackenzie Akins leaving them victorious again.
While the odds are leaning in favour of Gold Coast United, Capalaba FC are a strong team who should be ready to battle come this weekend.
Key Players:
Deeanna Thompson sits on 18 goals for Gold Coast United and remains a formidable force for the team. Her pace will be key in breaking through Capalaba’s back line this weekend.
Similarly, Abbey Lloyd is a strength for Capalaba FC’s front line. Currently sitting on 12 goals, she has featured numerous times in Team of the Week and will be one to watch this weekend.
MATCH DETAILS
Gold Coast United v Capalaba FC
Saturday, 7 September, 7:30pm
John Frederick Sportsfields 1