The race to the top four is on in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Women’s competition, with multiple teams needing wins this weekend to set them on the path to a finals appearance.
Eastern Suburbs and Gap FC will go head to head in the Round 9 Feature Match, while Gold Coast United eyes off a potential move into top spot in coming weeks.
Watch all Round 9 matches live on NPL.TV.
Feature Match: Eastern Suburbs v Gap FC
Two sides in similar form will meet for what is set to be a tight battle in the Round 9 Feature Match this weekend.
Gap FC are currently sitting in fifth, five points outside the top four with a game in hand, while Eastern Suburbs can overtake them on the table with a win this round.
Hosts Easts recorded two wins and two losses in their last four leading into last weekend’s bye.
Their most recent result was a disappointing 2-1 loss to Mitchelton FC in Round 13, a loss which followed two consecutive wins against Souths United (5-1 in Round 8) and Gold Coast United (3-2 in Round 12) two days earlier.
This weekend’s opponents Gap FC have also recorded two wins and two losses in their last four matches, including last weekend’s 3-0 defeat of Moreton Bay United.
Other recent results included a 5-2 loss to Lions FC and a 2-0 loss to Capalaba FC alongside a 4-0 victory over SWQ Thunder.
If their last encounter is anything to go by, we’re in for an entertaining clash between Eastern Suburbs and Gap FC in this round’s Feature Match.
Last time they met in August this year, Gap came from 3-0 down at half time but still fell to a heartbreaking 4-3 loss despite their efforts.
As the race to finals intensifies, the result of this match could prove an important one for both sides come the end of the regular season.
Match Details
Sunday, 4 October, 5pm
Heath Park
Live Stream Link
Other Key Matches:
Mitchelton FC v Gold Coast United
Gold Coast United will continue their pursuit of the ladder lead this weekend as they travel to take on Mitchelton FC in Round 9.
Currently in second, six points behind Lions FC but with three games in hand, a win this weekend will help Gold Coast United as they look to establish themselves as prospective Premiers.
This weekend’s opponents Mitchelton FC can make it three straight wins as they welcome the Gold Coast side, having recorded recent victories over SWQ Thunder (4-0 in Round 15) and Eastern Suburbs (2-1 in Round 13).
Those results followed a disappointing 4-1 loss to QAS in Round 8, so Mitchelton will no doubt be eager to stay in the winners’ circle as they build some momentum in the back-end of the season.
Gold Coast United come into the match off the back of a 2-1 win against Capalaba FC, which followed a bye and a loss to Eastern Suburbs FC.
With top spot looking within reach if they can tie together consecutive wins, there should be plenty of motivation for United this round.
Last time these two sides met, Gold Coast United recorded a 2-0 win in their Round 20 encounter.
Match Details
Saturday, 3 October, 6pm
Teralba Park
Live Stream Link
Capalaba FC v Souths United
Top four side Capalaba FC will welcome Souths United for a Round 9 clash this weekend.
Currently in fourth on equal points with third-placed Logan Lightning, and boasting the same goal difference, Capalaba FC can help secure their finals chances with a win against Souths this round.
Recording two wins and two losses in their last four matches, the hosts will need to recover from consecutive 2-1 defeats against SWQ Thunder in Round 13 and Gold Coast United last week as they head into the weekend.
Getting back to winning ways is vital as they chase a top four finish, and they might fancy their chances this weekend against a Souths United side carrying consecutive losses into the clash.
Souths haven’t recorded a win in their last four matches, falling to recent defeats against QAS, Logan Lightning, Eastern Suburbs and Lions FC.
Last time the sides met though, Souths came out on top in a 1-0 Round 20 match, and will look to repeat history against Capalaba this weekend.
Match Details
Saturday, 3 October, 6:15pm
John Frederick Sportsfields
Live Stream Link
Other Round 9 Match:
SWQ Thunder v QAS
Saturday, 3 October, 5:30pm
Highfields Sports Park
Live Stream Link
Players to Watch:
Rebekah Horsey (Mitchelton FC): Securing a spot as a Player of the Month for September, Horsey could prove to be key for Mitchelton this weekend as they face a significant challenge in the form of Gold Coast United.
Samantha Bambling (Gap FC): Earning a spot in the Team of the Week in just her first appearance for Gap FC this season, Bambling may be able to help her side to a win in an important clash against Easts this weekend.
Kijah Stephenson (QAS): The QAS forward’s recent form has earned her consecutive appearances in the Team of the Week, and a spot in the Players of the Month selection.
Image: Kyoko K/Gold Coast United