Women's Elimination Semi-Final Preview
Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Sam Attwood/Sunshine Coast FC
More sudden-death drama is in store for the second week of the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Women’s Finals Series as Sunshine Coast host Peninsula Power on Sunday.
Having both notched famous away victories to reach the Elimination Semi-Final, the winner will advance to take on Palm Beach SC for the right to play Premiers The Gap in the Grand Final.
Fire striker Sofie Persson, who starred with a hattrick in her side’s ruthless 4-1 defeat of UQFC, believes hosting at Kawana Sports Precinct adds extra motivation.
“It’s very exciting to get the home field because none of us were expecting to get to play in a final at the Sunny Coast,” Persson said.
“I think that definitely will bring an extra edge into the game, wanting to show everyone at home that we’re aiming for the Grand Final.”
Fire secured single-goal victories in both meetings between the pair this term but Persson doesn’t anticipate a mental advantage.
“I wouldn’t count it. UQ beat us twice before the finals game,” the Swede said.
“Between all the teams left in the finals it’s always been tight games and going into a game you could never tell who is the strongest team.
“I feel like it always depends on who wants it most on the day.”
Power proved to be a genuine Finals Series threat when they knocked off Eastern Suburbs 3-1.
Brittany Whitfield helped secure that result with a well-taken brace, though it’s the defensive solidity instilled by coach Gary Ellis which the 21-year-old believes could prove crucial.
“He’s really tightened our defence up and the girls have really taken in what he’s said,” Whitfield said.
“I’m always confident with them (at the back).
“We have great goalscorers in the side so I’ve got the utmost confidence we can definitely get at least one.”
Coming from sixth to reach the decider will be a fairytale within reach if Power prevail once more, but Whitfield is focussed only on the task at hand.
“That would be the dream but we really are taking each game as it comes,” she said.
“Everyone counted us out against Easts except ourselves. We’ll take it game by game and see how we go – we’ll be happy with whatever we get out of it.”
Fixture details:
Sunshine Coast FC Women v Peninsula Power FC Women
Kawana Sports Precinct, Sunshine Coast
Sunday, 30 August
Kick-off at 6:30PM
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