An eagerly anticipated match-up between former National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland sides Western Pride and SWQ Thunder is the main attraction in Round 14 of the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL), with a number of other important games to look out for.
Catch every match live and on demand at NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.
Feature Match: Western Pride v SWQ Thunder
Following their relegation from the NPL Queensland in 2019, Western Pride and SWQ Thunder have been on a mission to regain their top flight status at the first time of asking.
The host for this weekend’s match up, Pride, have been in decent form in recent weeks, winning all but one of their last five matches.
That run has seen them turn around a disappointing start to the season, currently sitting in fourth place and nipping at the heels of Mitchelton FC.
Last time out Pride ground out a hard-fought victory against Sunshine FC winning 1-0 despite having a man sent off, thanks to a powerful finish from fullback Kelton Scriggins.
SWQ Thunder meanwhile have been the pacesetters all season long in the FQPL, amassing 28 points out of a possible 32 so far this year.
The Toowoomba side put in a typically impressive display last weekend against Rochedale Rovers winning 3-0 with Brodie Welch scoring a brace.
If Pride are to pick up a result against Thunder, they will have to contain a formidable front line with some of the competition’s best forwards including Anthony Grant, Brodie Welch, Joe Scott, and Pasquale De Vita.
Match Details
Saturday, 12 September, 6:30pm
Briggs Road Sporting Complex
Live Stream Link
Key Matches:
Wolves FC v Ipswich Knights
Wolves FC are another side enjoying a rich vein of form in recent times and are quickly climbing up the table with the hope of making a late push for finals qualification.
The club have been bolstered by the exploits of winger Carlton Westerdale who has stepped into the spotlight recently, scoring seven goals in his last eight appearances including a brace in last weekend’s 4-1 victory over local rivals Southside Eagles.
Ipswich Knights by contrast are looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing result last week, losing 1-0 at home to bottom of the table Souths United.
Knights have only scored one goal in their last three outings so will be turning to the likes of Sho Otsuka and Mitchell Herrmann for some much-needed creative spark.
Match Details
Friday, 11 September, 7:00pm
Carmichael Park
Live Stream Link
Rochedale Rovers v Sunshine Coast FC
Rochedale Rovers were tipped to be promotion contenders heading into the season but have thus far been unable to string a consistent run of results together.
A four-game undefeated streak ended last weekend at the hands of ladder leaders SWQ Thunder who beat the Rovers 3-0 at Underwood Park.
Their opponents Sunshine Coast FC will also be eager for a result this weekend having lost all of their last three matches.
That run is not for a lack of trying however with Sunshine Coast pushing in–form Western Pride all the way last weekend, losing the Round 12 match just 1-0.
This will be as fascinating watch as both sides hope to use a win to start building momentum for their season.
Match Details
Friday, 12 September, 6:30pm
Underwood Park
Live Stream Link
Other Round 14 Matches:
Souths United v Holland Park Hawks
Saturday, 12 September, 5:00pm
Wakerley Park
Live Stream Link
Southside Eagles v Mitchelton FC
Saturday, 12 September, 6:00pm
Perry Park
Live Stream Link
Key Players:
Rhys Webster (Western Pride): An impressive display at the back against Sunshine Coast FC saw Webster earn an FQPL Team of the Week selection and the centre-back will need to be in similar form to contain SWQ Thunder’s dangerous attacking unit.
Carlton Westerdale (Wolves FC): Westerdale has been unstoppable in recent times for Wolves and will be hoping to add to his tally of seven goals so far this season against Ipswich Knights this weekend.
Sho Otsuka (Ipswich Knights): An attacking midfielder with bags of ability, Otsuka will be looking to lead his Ipswich Knights side to a much-needed victory against Wolves FC.
Words: Jacob Wala
Image: Annette Andews/SWQ Thunder
