The National Premier Leagues action continues right across the Sunshine State this weekend. Stay up to date with the Round 3 preview.

Queensland Academy of Sport (9th) v Palm Bach Sharks FC (10th)
Saturday, 23rd March 2013 – Perry Park, 4:30PM

With both sides still seeking their maiden NPL win, the first game of the Perry Park double-header promises to be an all-action affair fought to the very last.

Academy head coach Josh McCloughan is overseas meaning the squad will be managed by Pat Hedges; who will consider fielding his contingent of returned Roar National Youth League players, while Palm Beach will persevere with a relatively unchanged side.

Sharks head coach Osacar Langoni said he remains pleased with his team’s performance thus far despite not having any points to show from two spirited displays.

Langoni has however admitted to putting extra emphasis on shooting practice this week in a bid to improve the Sharks fortunes in front of goal.

Moreton Bay United Jets FC (3rd) v Northern Fury FC (7th)
Saturday, 23rd March 2013 – Wolter Park, 5:00PM

Northern Fury will conclude a three round opening road trip with the club’s first visit to the state’s south-east corner since it’s A-League incarnation.

TheTownsville-based side faces NPL surprise packet Moreton Bay United, who have taken maximum points from two tricky opening fixtures. Jets coach Terry Kirkham admitting his reluctance to alter a winning formula.

By comparison, Fury have one win and one loss to show from two matches; coach Gareth Edds suggested he will be seeking greater consistency and discipline from his squad, and emphasised the importance of securing points away from home.

Brisbane Strikers FC (2nd) v Olympic FC (1st)
Saturday, 23rd March 2013 – Perry Park, 7:00PM

The feature fixture in the Perry Park double-header is a top of the table Brisbane derby between Strikers and Olympic.

Both clubs have proved prolific in front of goal early in the season, and Olympic FC head coach Jim Bellas anticipates another high-scoring game this round in the tradition of previous Strikers-Olympic derbies.

Strikers head coach David Large uncharacteristically stated that Olympic should be considered favourites for the clash, whilst also admitting to defensive tweaks intended to counter the threat of Olympic’s league-leading front three.

However, Strikers possess a potent attacking third of their own, ensuring a test for stand-in Olympic goalkeeper Shannon Lancini.

FNQ FC Heat (8th)v Brisbane City FC (11th)
Saturday, 23rd March 2013 – Barlow Park, 7:30PM

Despite having never previously met, both sides will be familiar with their opponent this week after they shared the same Spencer Park pitch in last Saturday’s double-header.

Heat head coach Martin Docherty and City head coach Glen Volker were conspicuous spectators during each other’s matches, setting the stage for a somewhat tactical battle in Cairns.

Docherty admitted his side intends to set the tempo in the muggy tropical conditions, taking advantage of the natural conditioning of his locally-produced squad to create a genuine home field advantage.

Meanwhile, Volker said he wasn’t going to overanalyse his side’s erratic opening performances, instead looking to build team cohesion through hardwork on the training pitch and persisting with a relatively unchanged squad for the fixture.

Redlands United FC (7th) v CQFC Energy (12th)
Sunday, 24th March 2013 – Cleveland Showgrounds, 3:00PM

The bayside welcomes its first taste of National Premier Leagues action this weekend as mid-table Devils welcome cellar-dwellers CFC Energy to Cleveland Showgrounds.

Redlands head coach Matt Chandler will continue to ease key players back from injury after his side secured their first win of the campaign last round, uncovering some promising attacking swagger on the way.

Meanwhile, Energy continue to play catch-up following a rain-mired preseason, and will hope their first away trip brings a change of fortunes after shipping an unflattering 13 goals in the opening two rounds.

Western Pride FC (4th)v Sunshine Coast FC Fire (5th)
Sunday, 24th March 2013 – North Ipswich Reserve, 4:00PM

Ipswich plays host to a punch-drunk Sunshine Coast in the final match of the round.

The highly-fancied Fire were stunned by a determined Moreton Bay last week and Western Pride coach Kasey Wehrman is wary of getting burned by a club out to re-establish their title credentials this weekend.

Wehrman’s side are undefeated from their opening two fixtures and remains confident his side can remain so heading in to the Easter.

Fire head coach Kevin Aherne-Evans stated his side was not panicking despite a mixed start to the season, and remained focused on maintaining their own style of football.

Although, Aherne-Evans conceded his side needed to be more ruthless in front of goal and will consider making changes over the Easter break to that effect.

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)