Round 9 of the National Premier Leagues is headlined by two semi-final rematches in the men’s competition, and the first Brisbane Classico between Brisbane City and Lions FC in the women’s competition.
In the NPL Men’s, defending premiers Peninsula Power are up against defending champions Lions FC at Lions Stadium, with the Power eager to extend their winning streak to eight games.
In a blockbuster Saturday night clash, Gold Coast Knights will host fourth-placed Olympic FC at the Croatian Sports Centre.
Knights are coming off last weekend’s derby win over local rivals Gold Coast United, while Olympic FC are basking in the afterglow of a thumping 10-0 victory over Brisbane Strikers.
At the other end of the ladder, Strikers are at home against Moreton Bay United, Redlands United face a hot Brisbane Roar Youth side, and Logan Lightning make the trip north to Mackay to face Magpies Crusaders United.
In the NPL Women’s, first plays fourth as defending champions Lions FC meet new entrants Brisbane City, while surprise packet Virginia United will be looking to continue their excellent run of form against last season’s premiers Gold Coast United.
Cellar-dwellers Peninsula Power and SWQ Thunder are both searching for a breakthrough first win, with Thunder away to Capalaba FC on Saturday evening and the Power set to host the QAS on Sunday.
Meanwhile, The Gap FC meet Moreton Bay United on Friday night in a must-win game for the Gators, who have slumped to 14th on the ladder after five consecutive losses.
Fans can watch all First Grade NPL Men’s and Women’s matches live on NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.
Feature matches:
Lions FC v Peninsula Power
Defending premiers Peninsula Power will face defending champions Lions FC in an epic Sunday evening match-up at Lions Stadium.
The two powerhouse clubs have traded wins over the past two seasons, with Lions edging out the Power with three wins to two.
The last time they met, in the first semi-final of 2020, Lions secured a convincing 4-1 victory to set them on the road to clinch the NPL championship.
This season has not been plain sailing for Lions, though, with three strong wins punctuated by four frustrating draws and a loss.
They will have to do without one of their top goal scorers, Max Mikkola, who was sent off during last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Moreton Bay United.
Meanwhile, Peninsula Power are arguably the most balanced team in the competition with the best defensive record and Queensland’s most dangerous striker, Andy Pengelly, up front.
After seven consecutive victories, Power now have a golden opportunity to avenge last season’s semi-final loss and extend their lead even further at the top of the table.
Match details:
Sunday 16 May, 6:00pm
Lions Stadium, Richlands
Brisbane City v Lions FC
In a new twist to a historic Queensland rivalry, Brisbane City and Lions FC – Azzurri versus Hollandia in the old parlance – will meet for the first time in the NPL Women’s competition.
Both sides have made a strong start to the 2021 season, with Lions at the top of the ladder and City seven points behind in fourth place.
After a dream start to the season, with four wins in the opening four games, City have returned to earth following three consecutive losses to Capalaba FC, Gold Coast United and Virginia United.
Lions, on the other hand, are unbeaten after eight matches and have scored an incredible 44 goals at an average of more than five per game.
More than half of those goals have been scored by Amy Gunston and the league’s Golden Boot leader, Shea Connors.
American import Connors bagged her third hat-trick of the season against The Gap last Friday night, illustrating her ruthlessness in front of goal.
While it will be a big ask for City to contain Lions, there will never been a better opportunity for Skie Hanifin’s side to make a statement of intent across the competition.
Match Details:
Saturday 15 May, 5:15pm
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Newmarket
Key players:
Jez Lofthouse (Olympic FC): The NPL Messi plays his 100th game for Olympic this weekend as the Yeronga club looks to knock off high-flying Gold Coast Knights at the Croatian Sports Centre.
Andy Pengelly (Peninsula Power): After scoring 52 goals in the past two seasons, Pengelly currently has nine goals and four assists to lead the Golden Boot race.
Samantha Bambling (Moreton Bay United): The Moreton Bay sharpshooter, who has scored 10 goals in eight games, is one of several players who will come up against their old this weekend as the Jets play The Gap FC.
Shae Connors (Lions FC): The American striker has scored 18 goals in nine league and Cup games this season, and will no doubt be pumped up for the first women’s Brisbane Classico on Saturday night.
NPL Men’s Schedule:
Gold Coast Knights v Olympic FC
Saturday 15 May, 5:30pm
Croatian Sports Centre, Carrara
Capalaba FC v Gold Coast United
Saturday 15 May, 7:15pm
Max Haynes Field, Capalaba
Magpies Crusaders United v Logan Lightning
Saturday 15 May, 7:30pm
Sologinkin Oval, Mackay
Lions FC v Peninsula Power
Sunday 16 May, 4:00pm
Lions Stadium, Richlands
Sunshine Coast Wanderers v Eastern Suburbs
Sunday 16 May, 4:15pm
Ballinger Park, Buderim
Brisbane Strikers v Moreton Bay United
Sunday 16 May, 6:00pm
Perry Park, Bowen Hills
Brisbane Roar v Redlands United
Sunday 16 May, 6:15pm
Compass Grounds, Cleveland
NPL Women’s Schedule:
Moreton Bay United v The Gap FC
Friday 14 May, 8:15pm
Wolter Park, Albany Creek
Capalaba FC v SWQ Thunder
Saturday 15 May, 5:00pm
Max Haynes Field, Capalaba
Brisbane City v Lions FC
Saturday 15 May, 5:15pm
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Newmarket
Virginia United FC v Gold Coast United
Saturday 15 May, 6:00pm
Albert Bishop Park, Nundah
Eastern Suburbs v Logan Lightning
Saturday 15 May, 6:45pm
Heath Park, Brisbane
Peninsula Power v QAS
Sunday 16 May, 4:00pm
AJ Kelly Park, Kippa Ring
Western Pride v Sunshine Coast Wanderers
Sunday 16 May, 4:00pm
Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Flinders View
Mitchelton FC v Souths United
Sunday 16 May, 6:15pm
Teralba Park, Mitchelton
BYE – Olympic FC
Image: Ian R Judd – AQUA [PD]/Lions FC
