Gold Coast United and Lions FC can both still clinch the Premiership in a huge final round of the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Women’s competition this weekend.
After a disappointing mid-week loss, Gold Coast United can finally secure the title by securing just a point against QAS tomorrow in an unmissable clash, while Lions will be watching on closely to see if they are still in with a chance on Sunday.
Feature Match:
Gold Coast United v QAS
After a stunning season which has seen them record 16 wins from 19 matches, Gold Coast United can secure the NPL Women’s Premiership with a draw or victory over QAS in the final round this weekend.
The Gold Coast side would have been disappointed not to claim the title mid-week as they took on second-placed Lions FC, instead falling to a surprising 3-0 loss which sees Lions still with a chance at the title.
That loss also brought an end to the ladder leaders’ seven-match winning streak, so they will need to get back to winning ways this weekend to end the season on a high.
Gold Coast United need just one point to secure the Premiership this Saturday, while a loss will put their title hopes in the hands of Lions FC.
Opponents QAS will come into the match off the back of a dominant 11-0 win over Moreton Bay in their mid-week clash, their first win in five matches.
Despite their recent win though, Gold Coast United seem a tough task this weekend as they set their eye on the 2020 Premiership and will be hard to stop.
Last time the two sides met, the Gold Coast side recorded a 1-0 win in their Round 7 encounter in September.
Match Details
Saturday, 14 November, 5pm
Coplick Family Sports Park
Live Stream Link
Other Key Matches:
Mitchelton FC v Lions FC
Gold Coast United won’t be the only side with their sights on the Premiership this round, after Lions salvaged their title hopes with a crucial mid-week victory over the ladder leaders.
They’ll need a win to claim the title though, so will come out firing against Mitchelton FC this weekend.
Mitchelton come into the Round 18 clash with three straight wins to their name, against Moreton Bay United, Souths United and Gap FC, but Lions will prove a whole new challenge.
The Premiership hopefuls kept themselves in the title race thanks to an Amy Gunston double and a Tegan Riding goal against Gold Coast United in a match which followed a disappointing loss to Eastern Suburbs in Round 11 last month.
Last time Mitchelton and Lions clashed, Lions recorded a 2-0 win in a Round 7 September clash.
Match Details
Sunday, 15 November, 4pm
Teralba Park
Live Stream Link
Eastern Suburbs v Logan Lightning
These two sides were battling it out for fourth spot until Logan Lightning secured their place in the top four, so the Round 18 encounter is set to be a closely fought one.
Eastern Suburbs have recorded mixed results in recent weeks and come into their final match of the year off the back of a 1-1 draw with QAS.
Logan Lightning meanwhile have recorded consecutive wins against SWQ Thunder and Capalaba FC, and will look to extend this winning run into the Finals Series after this weekend’s clash with Easts.
Last time the two sides met this year, Logan secured the three points with a 3-1 win over Easts back in September.
Match Details
Saturday, 14 November, 7pm
Heath Park
Live Stream Link
Other Round 18 Matches:
Gap FC v Capalaba FC
Saturday, 14 November, 6pm
Walton Bridge Reserve
Live Stream Link
Players to Watch:
Holly McQueen (QAS): McQueen’s performance in her team’s Round 17 match earned her a spot in the Team of the Week and she will need to be at her best this weekend against the ladder leaders.
Isabella Habuda (Gold Coast United): Her side’s leading goalscorer, Habuda has scored a stunning 18 goals in 19 matches this season, including eight in her last five matches. Habuda could be the difference for Gold Coast United this weekend as they look to secure the Premiership.
Amy Gunston (Lions FC): Gunston’s brace in Lions’ mid-week win over Gold Coast United kept her side’s title chances alive, taking her season goal tally to 15 in 19 games.
Image: Kyoko K/Gold Coast United
