Round 10 of the National Premier Leagues is headlined by a top of the table clash between Lions FC and Gold Coast United in the women’s competition, and a juicy match-up between top five sides Moreton Bay United and Gold Coast Knights in the men’s competition.
The action kicks off with the NPL Women’s on Thursday night as third-placed Capalaba FC take on tenth-placed Western Pride. Capalaba have won four consecutive games – including last weekend’s 11-0 win over SWQ Thunder – while the Pride have lost their last two.
In a Saturday night blockbuster, defending premiers Gold Coast United host defending champions Lions FC in a match that could go a long way to deciding the 2021 premiership.
Seventh plays fourth on Friday night as Brisbane City host Moreton Bay United, with City looking to arrest a form slump that has seen them lose three in a row.
Eastern Suburbs and Olympic FC meet for the second time in five days after Olympic beat Easts in the Kappa Super Cup on Tuesday night, while The Gap will be desperate for all three points against the QAS.
In the NPL Men’s, defending premiers Peninsula Power will host last placed Brisbane Strikers, with the Power yet to lose a match and the Strikers still searching for their first win of the season.
After an important win over Gold Coast Knights last weekend, Olympic FC will meet Capalaba FC on Saturday night, with Capalaba looking to move into the top half of the ladder and Olympic hoping to gain some ground on Knights and Brisbane Roar.
The Roar are likely to without emerging A-League talents Cyrus Dehmie and Alex Parsons for their match against Gold Coast United. It could be an opportunity for United to pick up three points after their big win over Capalaba last weekend.
Meanwhile, Eastern Suburbs have a big opportunity to gain some ground on Lions FC as they host the defending champions at Heath Park, and Redlands United host Logan Lightning.
Fans can watch all First Grade NPL Men’s and Women’s matches live on NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.
Feature matches:
Moreton Bay United v Gold Coast Knights
After a strong win over Brisbane Strikers last weekend, fifth-placed Moreton Bay United face a much tougher test against third-placed Gold Coast Knights on Saturday evening.
The Knights have won seven and lost just two games this season and are coming off a disappointing loss at home to Olympic FC last weekend.
May has been a crucial month for the Knights, with a crammed schedule of six games in the league and FFA Cup.
Saturday night’s clash against the Jets will be Knights’ first of three games in seven days, with a knockout match against Holland Park Hawks on Tuesday night followed by a blockbuster clash against league-leaders Peninsula Power.
For the Jets, who are always strong at home, this presents a great opportunity to pick up points as they continue to press for a spot in the top four.
Match details:
Saturday 22 May, 6:00pm
Wolter Park, Albany Creek
Gold Coast United v Lions FC
In a highly anticipated top-of-the-table NPL Women’s clash, Gold Coast United meet Lions FC on Saturday night at Coplick Family Sports Park.
Both sides have been in scintillating form this season and have registered several big scorelines to go unbeaten in the opening rounds.
Defending champions Lions have won eight and drawn one to sit four points clear at the top of the table, while defending premiers Gold Coast United sit four points behind with two games in hand.
Lions have been brutally effective since their Round 6 draw against Mitchelton FC, with coach Rob Askew telling club media that the 3-3 result was the “kick up the backside” that his side needed.
In the three games since, Lions have scored 28 goals and conceded none to crush Peninsula Power, The Gap and Brisbane City.
But they will face a much sterner test this weekend against a highly organised Gold Coast side that is yet to drop points and has been equally devastating in the final third.
Match Details:
Saturday 22 May, 6:00pm
Coplick Family Sports Park, Tallebudgera
Key players:
Ryo Ono (Moreton Bay United): The Jets striker catapulted to the front of the Golden Boot race after a fine hat-trick last weekend against Brisbane Strikers.
Shannon Brady (Olympic FC): Followed a hat-trick in Olympic’s Round 8 win over Brisbane Strikers with a goal against his old club, Gold Coast Knights, last weekend.
Shea Connors (Lions FC): With 20 goals in nine games – including three consecutive hat-tricks – Connors leads the Golden Boot race and will be fired up for Saturday’s all-important clash against Gold Coast United.
Angie Beard (Olympic FC): The W-League championship-winning captain, who has joined Olympic for the remainder of the 2021 season, is expected to make her first appearance in the NPL this weekend.
NPL Men’s Schedule:
Capalaba FC v Olympic FC
Saturday 22 May, 6:00pm
Goodwin Park, Yeronga
Peninsula Power v Brisbane Strikers
Saturday 22 May, 6:30pm
A J Kelly Park, Kippa Ring
Redlands United v Logan Lightning
Saturday 22 May, 7:30pm
Compass Grounds, Cleveland
Eastern Suburbs v Lions FC
Saturday 22 May, 7:30pm
Heath Park, East Brisbane
Gold Coast United v Brisbane Roar
Sunday 23 May, 4:00pm
Coplick Family Sports Park, Tallebudgera
NPL Women’s Schedule:
Capalaba FC v Western Pride
Thursday 20 May, 7:30pm
Max Haynes Field, Capalaba
Brisbane City v Moreton Bay United
Friday 21 May, 8:30pm
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Newmarket
Peninsula Power v Souths United
Saturday 22 May, 4:15pm
A J Kelly Park, Kippa Ring
Eastern Suburbs, Olympic FC
Saturday 22 May, 5:15pm
Heath Park, East Brisbane
Mitchelton FC v SWQ Thunder
Saturday 22 May, 6:15pm
Teralba Park, Mitchelton
QAS v The Gap FC
Sunday 23 May, 4:00pm
Clem Jones Field, Meakin Park
Sunshine Coast Wanderers v Logan Lightning
Sunday 23 May, 4:15pm
Ballinger Park, Buderim
BYE – Virginia United FC
Image: Gold Coast United
