Round five of the NPLW Queensland saw the commencement of Female Football Week with three matches live streamed in an unprecedented level of coverage.

By Darren Lutton

Brisbane Roar NTC | 3 – 3 | Capalaba Bulldogs

John Frederick Sportsfields

First half flurry ends in stalemate

Friday night saw the Roar NTC play their home game at John Fredericks Sportsfields up against the Capalaba Bulldogs.  The nimble and skillful Roar lion pups went out to a 3-1 lead before giving away two goals and two points as the game ended three apiece.  Indiah-Paige Riley helped herself to a hat trick before Stephanie Latham took control to ensure the points were shared.  JJ McLean was ambulanced away after suffering a serious injury in her comeback match.

 

SWQ Thunder | 1 – 8 | Gold Coast United

Gatton Football Club

McElligott runs riot

Saturday.  Gold Coast United and SWQ Thunder met in the afternoon game at Gatton Football Club to see who could master the heat.  It was Thunder keeper Liz Hollit who had the most to do as, despite her having a strong game, she suffered the indignity of picking the ball out of her net eight times. 

The hot conditions wouldn't have helped, but the Thunder need to work harder to reduce their goals conceded - currently 27 after five games.  Meaghan McElligott helped herself to six goals as the Gold Coast side ran riot.

 

Western Pride FC | 3 -3 | Sunshine Coast Wanderers

Briggs Road Sporting Complex

Wanderers show mettle against Pride

Just down the “Darren Lockyer Way”, the Western Pride were hosting the Sunshine Coast Wanderers.  This too, looked like a goal fest as the visitors took a 2-3 lead into the half time break.  But they couldn't hold on as the Pride levelled the game at 3-3.  The Pride will be disappointed at their defensive errors. 

The Wanderers will be thrilled to not only have scored their first goals of the season, but also earning their first point. 

 

Lions FC | 5 – 1 | Eastern Suburbs

Lions Stadium

Once bitten, five times shy

At Lions Stadium, Kirsten Jamieson finally shook off her injuries as she helped herself to a hat trick in the Lions 5-1 win over Easts in the battle of the big cats.  Another solid performance from Lions keeps them in the hunt at the top of the table. For Easts, considering their underdog status going into the match, it's a game where they'll dust themselves off and prepare for their next encounter.

 

The Gap FC | 2 – 0 | Souths United

Walton Bridge Reserve

The Gap stake their claim at the top

At Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap welcomed Souths United in a top of the table clash.  A tightly contested match showed the rest of the league the importance of the art of defending as both teams showed a great workrate and ability to defend as a unit.  The deadlock was broken in the second half when Souths keeper Chloe Cole mistimed a high ball, letting the ball slip through her fingers and into the net.  A penalty converted by Ruth Blackburn fifteen minutes later confirmed the Gators place back at the top of the table. 

On this performance, both sides look more balanced than they were last year which should hold them in good stead.  Hopefully, Zali Eason-Coutts can recover quickly from the dislocated shoulder she suffered early in the game.

 

Moreton Bay United | 2 – 3 | Mitchelton

Wolter Park

A cross-town derby in the making

The final match on Saturday was the North-West derby between Moreton Bay and Mitchelton.  A big crowd was on hand to take in a strong first half performance from the Jets.  Alexandria Walker helped herself to a brace as the hosts took a 2-0 lead into the sheds.  In the second half, the Mustangs worked their way back into the contest. 

A pressure penalty coolly taken by Mitchie captain Katie Macdonald was enough to give the visitors all three points in a passionate affair. This game mattered, big time. Passions overflowed in what should be a great rivalry between these clubs.

 

Mudgeeraba Soccer Club | 4 – 3 | Logan Lightning

Sid Bigg Park

Lightning shocked by Mudgeeraba

A big result which shows the heart and fight of a team who some had written off entirely. Mudgeeraba were given no chance against Logan, despite the Lightning losing keeper Keeley Richards to injury midweek. The side that lost 17-0 in their opening match have shown gradual signs of improvement and would have been encouraged going into the half time break at two all. However, another two goals in the second half was enough for the Wallabies to seal a maiden victory in the NPLW. 

Congratulations to all concerned.  For Logan though, the confidence gained from their last start win will have all but evaporated.  Time to get back on the training pitch and integrate their new import to the squad.

 

Remember to keep uploading your pictures to Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #YTG or #YehTheGirls.