NPL Queensland Women's Round 5 Preview

The top four women’s teams in Queensland face off in a huge weekend in the NPL and FQPL Women’s competitions.

In the NPL, Lions FC have maintained their lead at the top of the table, seven points clear of second-placed Gold Coast United.

Trailing the top two is Capalaba FC and Souths United, while Eastern Suburbs are just two points outside the top four.

On Saturday, Easts are up against sixth-placed Moreton Bay United and Capalaba host Gold Coast United, while Lions meet Souths United on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Sunshine Coast Wanderers play QAS as they look to bounce back after their 3-0 loss to Capalaba last weekend.

In the FQPL, Olympic FC and Brisbane City are in pole position, four points clear of Western Pride.

Olympic are at home this weekend against SWQ Thunder, City face fourth-placed Mitchelton FC, and third-placed Pride host bottom side Peninsula Power.

Fans can watch all First Grade NPL and FQPL matches LIVE on NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.

Feature matches:

Capalaba FC v Gold Coast United

A host of big names will be in action this Saturday evening as Capalaba FC host Gold Coast United.

Capalaba boast several experienced campaigners in Amy Chapman, Natasha Wheeler, Billie Murphy and Steph Latham.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast United have added young W-League fullback Jamilla Rankin to the experience of Jessie Rasscheart and the exuberance of Isabella Habuda up front.

Habuda ran riot last weekend against Moreton Bay United, netting her third hat-trick of the season as Gold Coast United extended their winning streak to five games.

Meanwhile, Capalaba are unbeaten in 12 games and coming off a comfortable 3-0 win against Sunshine Coast Wanderers last weekend.

The last time Capalaba lost was against Gold Coast United in June, with Habuda bagging a brace in that game.

But Capalaba are at home this Saturday and a win would see them leapfrog Gold Coast United into second spot.

Match Details
Saturday 4 September, 5:15pm
Max Haynes Field, Capalaba

Souths United v Lions FC

The league’s most potent attacking team will come up against one of the strongest defensive sides on Sunday afternoon at Wakerley Park.

The home side, Souths United, have conceded just 16 goals this season and have been one of the most consistent teams in the competition.

However, Souths’ 2-0 loss to Eastern Suburbs last weekend has put them in danger of dropping out of the top four.

This weekend’s game against Lions is the start of a decisive period for Souths, who come up against top four sides Gold Coast United and Capalaba FC next.

Lions meanwhile are coming off a big Kappa Women’s Super Cup Semi Final win over Logan Lightning.

Unbeaten this season and averaging nearly six goals per game, Lions will be favourites for this match as they continue their march towards the premiership.

Match Details
Sunday 5 September, 4:15pm
Wakerley Park, Runcorn

Key players:

Isabella Habuda (Gold Coast United): Scored yet another hat-trick last weekend in Gold Coast’s 5-0 demolition of Moreton Bay United.

Amber Simms (Capalaba FC): Scored two goals in Capalaba’s 3-0 win over Sunshine Coast, including a stunning volley off a corner.

Rie Kitano (Souths United): Souths will need a big performance from their playmaker as they take on Lions and fight for their place in the top four.

Shea Connors (Lions FC): After signing on for Brisbane Roar’s W-League side last week, the NPL Golden Boot leader returns to action this weekend in a big game against Souths United.

Click here for the NPL Round 5 Schedule.
Click here for the FQPL Round 7 Schedule.

 Image: Gold Coast United