The NPL Women’s action begins early this week as Capalaba FC zero in on a potentially vulnerable Lions FC on Thursday night.
That rearranged fixture precedes a full Round 6 schedule which sees four of the competition’s top five teams go head-to-head in two mouthwatering matches.
Feature Match: Capalaba FC v Lions FC
The fun starts at John Fredericks Park as two strong sides aim to prove a point in a Thursday showdown featuring significant top four ramifications.
All eyes will be on Lions to see how the reigning Premiers and Champions rebound from their first loss of the season, a 2-0 defeat to Gold Coast United that cost them top spot.
Getting back to winning ways won’t be easy against an in-form Capalaba FC, who are at home and aiming to keep the pressure on the teams above.
Last weekend’s 3-2 win over Eastern Suburbs backed up their 7-2 mauling of Mitchelton FC and the Bulldogs now appear ready to take the challenge to an NPL Women’s powerhouse.
Their last encounter, which took place just before the break in March, ended in a 2-1 win for Lions, continuing a trend of close contests between the teams.
Tegan Riding scored in both meetings last term and will hope for more of the same on Thursday, particularly as Lions’ usually lethal attack looks to click back into gear following a rare goalless outing.
Match Details
Thursday, 27 August, 7:30pm
John Fredericks Park
Live Stream Link
Other Key Matches:
Gap FC v Gold Coast United
Fresh from toppling Lions, Gold Coast have the chance to take down another silverware contender in an exciting start to Saturday’s triple-header.
Last weekend’s win lifted Alex Bundalo’s side into first place and extended their winning streak to seven matches, during which the leaders have netted 27 goals.
Gold Coast will have played two games fewer than Lions by the time this match commences, yet they could be dragged back to parity with Gap FC by the time it ends.
The Gators trail by just three points and have the talent to trouble any team at Walton Bridge Reserve, which could witness another big result if the home side’s defence can secure a second clean sheet of the season.
Match Details
Saturday, 29 August, 4:00pm
Walton Bridge Reserve
Live Stream Link
Logan Lightning v Capalaba FC
A quick turnaround and a second tough fixture in three days will test Capalaba FC’s resolve when they meet Logan Lightning on Saturday afternoon.
The mood around the club might hinge on Thursday’s result but the size of the challenge won’t change for the Bulldogs leading into the crunch Cornubia Park clash.
Logan have emerged as one of the league’s premier outfits since the season resumed, having taken 12 points from five games while hitting 14 goals.
Continuing that excellent form could soon propel them into a commanding position with so many top-half teams squaring off this weekend.
Match Details
Saturday, 29 August, 4:45pm
Cornubia Park
Live Stream Link
Other Round 6 Matches:
Moreton Bay United v Mitchelton FC
Friday, 28 August, 8:30pm
Wolter Park
Live Stream Link
Eastern Suburbs v QAS
Saturday, 29 August, 6:30pm
Heath Park
Live Stream Link
Souths United v SWQ Thunder
Sunday, 30 August, 4:15pm
Broadbeach United Soccer Club
Live Stream Link
Players to Watch:
Meaghan McElligott (Logan Lightning): An important brace in a 4-2 win at SWQ Thunder earned McElligott a Team of the Week nod and improved her post-hiatus goal haul to four in five games, the kind of form that should concern Saturday’s opponents Capalaba.
Ayesha Norrie (Gold Coast United): Gold Coast’s big game against Gap FC calls for big performances and that’s exactly what United have got from Norrie since adding her to their squad.
Rachel Dudley (QAS): Easts have found it tough at times to keep goals out and that will be good news for Dudley, who snared a Team of the Week spot after netting twice against Moreton Bay United last round.
Image: Ian Judd/Lions FC
