The Football Queensland Premier League returns this weekend with several intriguing clashes scheduled for Match Week 13.
In FQPL 1, Brisbane City are eight points clear of the top of the ladder and face sixth-placed Mitchelton FC at home on Saturday night.
City’s nearest rivals, Rochedale Rovers, dropped points against Sunshine Coast FC in Round 11 and will look to bounce back this Saturday at home against Southside Eagles.
Sunshine Coast will be determined to create another upset against fourth-placed Western Pride, while Holland Park Hawks host Wynnum Wolves with both sides desperate for a win.
In FQPL 2, the top four and the bottom four play off as the business end of the season fast approaches.
In the bottom half of the table, Magic United host Samford Rangers on the Gold Coast, while Virginia United and Coomera Colts meet in Nundah.
League-leaders Caboolture FC remain ahead of the pack on 28 points, two points clear of Grange Thistle.
Caboolture play fourth-placed North Star, while Grange Thistle and Taringa Rovers battle it out for second spot.
Watch every single minute live or on demand through NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.
Feature matches:
Ipswich Knights v SWQ Thunder
It is Ipswich versus Toowoomba this Sunday as Ipswich Knights host SWQ Thunder at Eric Evans Oval.
Ipswich are currently four points outside of the top four, while Thunder are sitting pretty in third place.
Ipswich, who are in the middle of a run of six games at home, will be desperate for a win after two losses and a draw.
The last time these two sides met, in March, Thunder stole a late winner via their Italian midfielder Pasquale De Vita.
Although De Vita is out injured, Thunder have won five of their last six matches and are ten points ahead of Knights on the ladder.
While Thunder are looking to sew up second spot on the ladder, a win for Knights would keep them on the heels of local rivals Western Pride.
Match details:
Sunday 27 June, 3:00pm
Eric Evans Oval, Ipswich
Grange Thistle v Taringa Rovers
Second spot is up for grabs this Sunday afternoon at Lanham Park as Grange Thistle host Taringa Rovers.
Grange Thistle, who are currently second on the ladder, are on a five-game winning streak and have not lost since March.
But Taringa are not far behind and will be looking for a win to continue their five-week undefeated streak.
The last time these two sides met, in Round 5, Ben Rosengren grabbed a late winner for Grange Thistle to bring them within two points of Taringa Rovers on the ladder.
Grange Thistle have since overtaken the Rovers and will be keen to put some distance between them. They could even move into first place if they beat Taringa and Caboolture lose this weekend.
The danger for Grange Thistle will come via Golden Boot leader Sean Karambasis, who is back on form with two goals in Taringa’s last outing against North Star.
Match details:
Sunday 27 June, 4:00pm
Lanham Park, Grange
Key players:
Yuta Hirayama (Brisbane City): Leads the Golden Boot race with 11 goals in 11 games for Brisbane City.
Patrick Moore (Sunshine Coast FC): Earned a spot in the Team of the Week after scoring a crucial goal in Sunshine Coast’s 3-2 upset win over Rochedale Rovers.
Sean Karambasis (Taringa Rovers): After a goalless fortnight Karambasis came roaring back in Round 11, bagging a crucial double as Taringa beat North Star 2-1.
Jake Herd (Caboolture FC): Scored an incredible five goals in Caboolture’s 8-1 drubbing of Virginia United in Round 11.
FQPL 1 Schedule:
Brisbane City v Mitchelton FC
Saturday 26 June, 5:15pm
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Newmarket
Rochedale Rovers v Southside Eagles
Saturday 26 June, 6:30pm
Underwood Park, Priestdale
Holland Park Hawks v Wynnum Wolves
Saturday 26 June, 6:30pm
Whites Hill Reserve, Camp Hill
Western Pride v Sunshine Coast FC
Saturday 26 June, 7:15pm
Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Ipswich
BYE – Souths United
FQPL 2 Schedule:
Magic United v Samford Rangers
Saturday 26 June, 5:00pm
Birmingham Road, Carrara
Caboolture FC v North Star
Saturday 26 June, 5:15pm
Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, Burpengary
Virginia United FC v Coomera Colts
Sunday 27 June, 4:00pm
Albert Bishop Park, Nundah
