Gold Coast Knights will take on Peninsula Power this weekend in the second of two National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland Semi Final clashes.
Both NPL Queensland Semi Final matches will be available to watch live on FQ Facebook and FQ YouTube.
SEASON SO FAR
Gold Coast Knights were one of the strongest sides in the NPL Queensland competition in 2019, finishing the regular season in second spot after recording 22 wins, four draws and only two losses.
In 30 rounds, the Gold Coast side scored 77 goals and conceded only 22, while also recording an impressive 14 clean sheets throughout the year – the most of any team in the top four.
Knights will come into their Semi Final clash off the back of some impressive form that has seen them secure eight wins in a row.
In their last five matches, Knights have 17 goals and conceded only two and will look to extend their winning streak as they come up against Peninsula Power this weekend.
Peninsula Power meanwhile have had a successful first season in the NPL Queensland following their promotion from the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) at the end of last year.
Last year’s FQPL Premiers and Champions will go searching for their second Championship in a row (albeit in different competitions) as they clash with Gold Coast Knights to book a spot in the 2019 NPL Queensland Grand Final.
The Redcliffe-based side’s season got off to an incredible start, going 14 weeks unbeaten before recording their first loss in Round 16 against Lions FC.
Power have had a run of more mixed results in the second half of the season.
Peninsula Power have won their last three matches and only lost one match in their last five.
In these five matches, the side have scored 20 goals and conceded only 5, and will set out to record another win this weekend to book their spot in the NPL Queensland Grand Final.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The first time the two teams met was in Round 6 this year when Peninsula Power came away with a close 2-1 win.
The score was equalised at 1-1 for most of the match until a penalty in the 81st minute gave Power the edge to secure the victory.
Their second clash was a different story though. Goals from Mitch Nichols, Adam Endean and Max Brown handed Gold Coast Knights a 4-0 victory in Round 21.
Peninsula Power will have to pull out all the stops to prove they can once again beat the Gold Coast Knights in the must-win Semi Final clash this weekend.
KEY PLAYERS
Gold Coast Knights’ captain Jarrod Kyle has been a key player for the team’s front line. In fact, in his last five matches he’s scored five goals. Across 25 NPL Queensland matches this season, he’s scored 15 goals, finishing in tenth spot in the Golden Boot tally for 2019.
Sitting on an impressive 12 goals for the season, Sam Smith has also proved to be a force to be reckoned with in Knights’ frontline. His aggressive style of play will be key in this weekend’s Semi Final against Peninsula Power.
Max Brown has been another strength for Knights this year. The talented midfielder has scored 12 goals across the season and has featured in an impressive five appearances in the NPL Queensland Team of the Week.
Scoring the most goals for Peninsula Power with 17, Dean Briggs landed in the eighth spot for the Golden Boot Tally. His efforts earned him five features in the NPL Queensland Team of the Week.
Brenton Fox has been another strong force for Power. He’ll prove to be a key asset in the team’s front line in this weekend’s Semi Final clash.
Thomas Strickland meanwhile has been one of Power’s most consistent players throughout the season, with his presence in the midfield earning himself an incredible seven appearances in the NPL Queensland Team of the Week.
MATCH DETAILS
Gold Coast Knights v Peninsula Power
Sunday, 8 September, 6pm
Croatian Sports Centre
