The women take centre stage this weekend as the NPL Men’s, FQPL 1 and FQPL 2 take a break to accommodate FFA Cup fixtures.
Round 6 of the NPL Women’s competition will likely see the introduction of several W-League stars, with Rebekah Horsey, Larissa Crummer, Mariel Hecher and Holly McQueen all expected to feature for their respective clubs.
There have been many unpredictable results in the 2021 season so far as clubs jostle for a spot in the top eight.
After five rounds, Lions and Gold Coast United are yet to drop points, while three clubs – Olympic FC, SWQ Thunder and Peninsula Power – are still searching for a breakthrough win.
Fans can watch all First Grade NPL Women’s matches live on NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.
Feature matches:
Moreton Bay United v Capalaba FC
After a disrupted start to the season, Capalaba FC will be boosted by the addition of W-League players Larissa Crummer and Anna Margraf this weekend against Moreton Bay United.
Crummer and Magraf both featured in Brisbane Roar’s 2020-2021 W-League campaign and join a Capalaba squad brimming with talent and experience.
They arrive at just the right time for Capalaba, who bounced back from consecutive losses to Virginia United and Lions FC to overcome Brisbane City on Tuesday night.
It was an emphatic performance by Capalaba away from home, winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Isabelle Ward, Natasha Wheeler, Angela Maher and Amy Chapman.
Capalaba will meet a Moreton Bay outfit that has been prolific up front and suspect in defence. No team in the league has scored more – or conceded more – than the Jets this season.
In a frenetic five rounds, David De Silva’s young side has beaten Western Pride 6-3, Olympic FC 6-3, Eastern Suburbs 3-2 and drawn 5-5 with Logan Lightning, before losing 5-3 to Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
Both Capalaba and Moreton Bay seem destined for the top eight, so this should be a cracking match at Wolter Park.
Match details:
Friday 23 April, 8:45pm
Wolter Park, Albany Creek
The Gap FC v Gold Coast United
Gold Coast United will travel to The Gap full of confidence this Sunday afternoon after a commanding 8-0 win over Peninsula Power last weekend.
Free-scoring Gold Coast United are one of the form sides of the competition and are yet to drop points after four games.
The thumping win over Peninsula Power was the latest example of the club’s attacking prowess, with Deeanna Thompson and Paige Taylor each scoring a brace while Canadian import Isabella Habuda scored four sensational goals and created another.
Habuda, who netted 19 times in 21 games in 2020, now has eight goals in just four games and is an early contender to win the Golden Boot this season.
It could not be a more different story for The Gap, who are coming off consecutive losses to Capalaba and Brisbane City and have struggled to find the back of the net against the stronger sides in the competition.
The Gap create chances but have lacked composure up front, with winger Christina Amajouyi the shining light for the Gators in attack.
If there is a trend at this early stage of the season, it is that the top sides – Lions FC, Brisbane City and Gold Coast United – all have a dedicated centre-forward who does the business up front. Indeed, Gold Coast sharp-shooter Habuda has scored as many goals this season as the entire Gap squad.
It could be a tough weekend for The Gap, who will be without their captain and playmaker Sofie Persson, but a win at home would get their season back on track.
Match Details:
Sunday 25 April, 5:30pm
Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap
Key players:
Larissa Crummer (Capalaba FC): The incoming forward brings valuable experience and is set to add a dose of attacking flair to a Capalaba FC side looking to secure back-to-back wins.
Mariel Hecher (Lions FC): Last season’s Golden Boot winner returns to Lions FC after spending several months with Brisbane Roar in the W-League. Will add even more firepower to the league-leading Lions.
Georgina Amos (Eastern Suburbs FC): Amos has scored four goals in four games, including a double last weekend against the QAS to help Easts snap a three-game losing streak.
Rie Kitano (Souths United): The Japanese playmaker has been a standout at Wakerley Park, scoring the second and creating the third in Souths United’s 3-1 win over Olympic FC last Friday night.
NPL Women’s Schedule:
Mitchelton FC v Lions FC
Saturday 24 April, 5:00pm
Teralba Park, Mitchelton
Logan Lightning v Western Pride
Saturday 24 April, 6:15pm
Cornubia Park, Loganholme
Olympic FC v SWQ Thunder
Saturday 24 April, 6:15pm
Goodwin Park, Yeronga
Eastern Suburbs v Souths United
Saturday 24 April, 5:00pm
Heath Park, East Brisbane
Virginia United v Peninsula Power
Sunday 25 April, 5:00pm
Albert Bishop Park, Nundah
QAS v Sunshine Coast Wanderers
Sunday 25 April, 5:15pm
Clem Jones Fields, Meakin Park
Image: Ian R Judd – AQUA [PD]/ Lions FC.
