The halfway point of the season has arrived in the Football Queensland Premier League, with a three-horse race developing in both divisions.
In FQPL 1, Brisbane City are five points clear at the top of the ladder after ten consecutive victories. City play Wynnum Wolves on Friday night at Carmichael Park.
City’s nearest rivals, Rochedale Rovers and SWQ Thunder, both play at home this weekend, with Rovers up against Sunshine Coast FC and Thunder hosting Souths United.
Ipswich Knights meet Mitchelton FC as both sides look to move into the top four, while struggling teams Southside Eagles and Holland Park Hawks meet on Saturday night.
In FQPL 2, the second iteration of the Gold Coast derby kicks off on Saturday afternoon as Magic United host Coomera Colts in Carrara.
Grange Thistle travel north to Samford Rangers looking to continue their 11-week undefeated streak, while North Star host Taringa Rovers.
It’s a big week for seventh-placed Virginia United, who come up against a Caboolture FC side that is top of the ladder despite losing players to injury and suspension.
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Feature matches:
Ipswich Knights v Mitchelton FC
Fifth-placed Ipswich Knights host sixth-placed Mitchelton FC on Friday night as the race for a spot in the top four heats up in FQPL 1.
After a slow start to the season, Mitchelton have rocketed back into contention with three wins on the trot.
Japanese striker Shuto Kuboyama has been crucial to their revival since joining from Redlands United, scoring a goal in each of those victories.
Mitchelton come up against a Knights side have been patchy at home this season, with two losses and a draw punctuated by a thumping 7-0 win over Holland Park Hawks in Round 6.
The Knights, who are at the beginning of a run of six home games in Ipswich, will be desperate for a win this weekend.
Match details:
Friday 11 June, 7:30pm
Eric Evans Oval, Ipswich
North Star v Taringa Rovers
Taringa Rovers face their first test in a big three weeks on Sunday afternoon against historic rivals North Star.
North Star have won five games and lost four this season, with some big wins counterbalanced by disappointing losses.
Last weekend North Star went down 5-3 to Virginia United in a helter-skelter game that had it all.
The last time North Star met Taringa Rovers, in Round 4, they went down 2-1 with Giuliano Marconato and Sean Karambasis scoring a goal each.
Those two will again be the danger men for Taringa this weekend as North Star look to make up some ground on the Rovers.
But a win for Taringa would give them plenty of confidence ahead of two big clashes against top sides Grange Thistle and Caboolture FC.
Match details:
Sunday 13 June, 4:15pm
O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere
Key players:
Nicholas Edwards (Ipswich Knights): Has led the line well for Ipswich this season with six goals in ten games.
Jacob Krayem (Wynnum Wolves): Found himself in the Team of the Week two weeks running as Wynnum head into a massive game against Brisbane City.
Tyler Brayley-Combe (North Star): North Star’s top goal scorer was on target last time they played Taringa Rovers.
Ben Rosengren (Grange Thistle): Scored a first half double last weekend in a 3-2 win over Coomera Colts.
FQPL 1 Schedule:
Wynnum Wolves FC v Brisbane City
Friday 11 June, 7:30pm
Carmichael Park, Tingalpa
SWQ Thunder v Souths United
Saturday 12 June, 6:00pm
Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba
Southside Eagles v Holland Park Hawks
Saturday 12 June, 6:30pm
Memorial Park, Bulimba
Rochedale Rovers v Sunshine Coast FC
Sunday 13 June, 6:15pm
Underwood Park, Priestdale
BYE – Western Pride
FQPL 2 Schedule:
Magic United v Coomera Colts
Saturday 12 June, 4:15pm
Birmingham Road, Carrara
Samford Rangers v Grange Thistle
Saturday 12 June, 5:30pm
Samford Parklands, Samford Valley
Virginia United FC v Caboolture Sports FC
Sunday 13 June, 5:30pm
Albert Bishop Park, Nundah
