Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Paul Smith

The business end of the season is fast approaching and this weekend could well prove a turning point for many September contenders.

Redlands United FC v SWQ Thunder FC
Saturday, June 25 | 3:00PM
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City

 

Squads in the Match Centre – http://bit.ly/292Fzww

Redlands are looking to reassert their Premiership credentials when they host the enigmatic SWQ Thunder in the opening match of a double header on the bayside.

The Red Devils have lost three of their past four league matches – including a humbling 6-2 defeat to Moreton Bay United last weekend – and must quickly return to winnings ways if they are to keep touch with the league leaders.

Their opponents, Thunder, have proved a mixed bag this season but despite their hopes of a maiden top four finish fading rapidly, will still prove a tricky opponent.

History favours the hosts at this venue, however Thunder have previously upset Redlands this year – snatching a surprise 2-1 win courtesy of late Majok Piok penalty.

Match Officials - Adam KERSEY (referee), Joey LEE (assistant), James SHERRY (assistant), Brad BURTON (fourth)

Gold Coast City FC v FNQ FC Heat
Saturday, June 25 | 3:00PM
Duncan McKenna Field, Gold Coast

Squads in the Match Centre – http://bit.ly/28QMjMt

City are hoping to give their top four push a much-needed boost when they host league-leaders Heat in Saturday’s other early kick-off.

The Gold Coast-based club have stumbled in recent rounds in a three match winless run but will be boosted by the knowledge they have never tasted defeat against the Heat.

For Heat, the match is a must-win if they are to maintain their four-point buffer a head of Brisbane Strikers, who still hold a game in hand in the title race.

The league-leaders were unconvincing winners in their last start against lower-table side Western Pride and, after failing to keep a clean sheet in their past four league outings, their defence will need to be at its best against the most prolific strike force in the competition.

Match Officials - Nathan MACDONALD (referee), Mitch MILLER (assistant), Thomas CULLANE (assistant), Sam OSBORNE (fourth)

Brisbane Roar FC Youth v Olympic FC
Saturday, June 25 | 5:00PM
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City

 

Squads in the Match Centre - http://bit.ly/28Re22K

Two of the competition’s form teams meet in a blockbuster mid-table showdown in the second match of the bayside double header.

Young Roar have collected the scalps of Redlands and Jets in winning their last two starts and will be eager to maintain that momentum ahead of a mid-week trip to Toowoomba next week.

However, it will prove no easy task against an Olympic side riding high on the back of a five match unbeaten run that most recently accounted for cross-town rivals Brisbane City.

While Olympic hold a slight edge in previous meetings between the sides they have never previously met at Cleveland Showgrounds – a ground where Young Roar have not been defeated this season.

Match Officials – Zac KEENAN (referee), Joey LEE (assistant), James SHERRY (assistant), Adam KERSEY (fourth)

Brisbane Strikers FC v Moreton Bay United FC
Saturday, June 25 | 6:00PM
Perry Park, Brisbane

 

Squads in the Match Centre – http://bit.ly/28ShHMR

Jets are eyeing another top four scalp when they make the short trip to the capital to face last year’s Grand Final opponents, Strikers.

Jets’ title defence received a much-needed shot in the arm last round courtesy of a big win over Redlands and another three points this weekend could well return them to the top four.

However, standing in their way is a Strikers backline that remains the most miserly in the competition and an attack that has been held scoreless just twice this season.

Strikers have only been bettered once at home this season and have never been defeated by Jets on their home patch in three previous league meetings at Perry Park.

Match Officals – Alex KING (referee), Max CRANE (assistant), Justin TEMPLE (assistant), John VASILIADIS (fourth)

Western Pride FC v Northern Fury FC
Saturday, June 25 | 7:00PM
Briggs Road Complex, Ipswich

 

Squads in the Match Centre – http://bit.ly/28Rs9CQ

Fury are looking to finally land their first win of the season when they travel to fellow lower-table side Western Pride in Saturday’s late kick-off.

The Townsville club ended a 13 match league losing run last week by drawing Sunshine Coast FC and will be hoping it marks the start of a long awaited form reversal.

They will fancy their chances against a Pride side that has struggled for consistency in 2016 and is winless in their past four outings.

Pride have only won once at home this year and with neither side yet to keep a clean sheet this year this could prove the most entertaining match of the round for the neutral.

Match Officials – Matt SKINNER (referee), Kehan RYLEY (assistant), Alex HOHN (assistant), James MAINEY (fourth)

Sunshine Coast FC v Brisbane City FC
Sunday, June 26 | 5:00PM
Kawana Sports Western Precinct Field 2, Sunshine Coast

 

Squads in the Match Centre – http://bit.ly/28ShSYG

City are looking for a return to winning ways when they head up the Bruce Highway to face a Fire side with just one win from its past five league outings.

The visitors were disappointing in their midweek loss to cross-town rivals Olympic and know another slip-up could see them drop out of the top four.

Meanwhile, Fire are yet to get the better of a top four side this season and were fortunate to escape from Townsville with a draw last week against bottom-of-the-table Fury.

However, they could benefit significantly from home advantage at their secondary home – with City never previously playing at the Western Precinct grounds.

Match Officials - Rachel MITCHENSON (referee), Zac KEENAN (assistant), Ben COOK (assistant), Jay HUDSON (fourth)