As the Easter break draws to a close we look back on round nine of the NPLW.  Although the wet weather played havoc once again, there was definitely no shortage of goals.

The round saw the top three teams stamp their authority on the rest of the competition, but it was a mid-table battle that proved to be the highlight.

By Steven Van Lierop and Darren Lutton

 

The Gap | 6 – 1 | Mitchelton

Walton Bridge Reserve

Unbeaten run continues for The Gap.

Saturday kicked off with a match-up of last season’s NPLW and Brisbane Women’s Premier League heavy hitters, The Gap v Mitchelton. Mitchelton were strong going into the match and would have been confident of a good showing.  However, the Gators brought the class they have been showing all season and let the Mustangs know something.

Greta Bodey gave a star showing, once again scoring a hat-trick to take her season tally to 13 goals, as The Gap pushed to a strong five goal lead.  New signing Courtney Holmwood got her name on the scoresheet for the Mustangs but it was quickly cancelled out as the home side racked up half a dozen in a 6-1 win.

The Gap now have a seven game unbeaten streak so far this season. Eastern Suburbs who sit mid-table will look to challenge the heavy hitting Gators next round.

 

Capalaba Bulldogs | 4 – 5 | Sunshine Coast Wanderers

John Fredericks Sportsfield

Wanderers hold on for the win after the Bulldogs almost secure a comeback.

The match of the round was at John Fredericks Sportsfield as Capalaba welcomed Sunshine Coast Wanderers. Both teams were sure to come out strong to keep their distance from the bottom of the ladder.

These two sides have been disrupted with wet weather affecting their fields forcing match and training cancellations. However, going into this game, the Wanderers had a distraction-free week and it paid dividends. After an hour Samara Christmas had notched up four goals and the visitors had a commanding 5-1 lead, but the Dogs would not lay down and launched an extraordinary comeback. Vicky Lines scored a hat-trick but unfortunately for the Bulldogs it wasn't quite enough as the Wanderers snared their first win of the season.

Wanderers will be looking to maintain this form in their next fixture at home against SWQ Thunder who sit bottom of the ladder. Capalaba travel to Logan, another side struggling at the bottom end.

 

Mudgeeraba SC | 0 – 7 | Lions FC

Sid Bigg Park

Lions earn their 7th win to maintain their unbeaten run.

Sunday afternoon saw top three side Lions FC travel down the coast to challenge Mudgeeraba who are struggling at the bottom end of the ladder. Signs were bleak for Mudgeeraba, the doors opened early for Lions and they went 0-2 ahead after two minutes.

However, as they've already shown this season, the Wallabies put up a tremendous defensive effort and made Lions work extra hard to etch out a 0-7 victory. Mariel Hecher topped the scoring charts with a double to help Lions maintain their undefeated run. Lions host the Roar next round in what will no doubt be a hard fought game.

 

Souths United SC | 6 – 2 | Logan Lightning

Wakerley Park

The late game on Sunday evening was the Southside derby between Souths United and Logan Lightning.  Logan came out strong scoring first via Gabrielle Hein but this was quickly cancelled out by Sofie Persson, who managed to grab a double this time out. The rest of the first half remained relatively close going into the break at 2-1.

Logan started well in the second half with an equaliser in the 51st minute, but the quality of the home side seemed to overwhelm Logan. A brace from Norrie helped Souths retain top spot with a comfortable victory. This win keeps them top of the table for now, with Lions and The Gap maintaining their unbeaten runs.

Souths travel to a fired up Gold Coast United looking to topple the league leaders, which looks to be a great match up.

 

Western Pride FC | 1 – 7 | Gold Coast United

Briggs Road Sporting Complex

In form McElligot runs riot once again.

This mid table clash at Briggs Road was expected to be a close battle. It certainly looked that way in the first half when Pride managed to equal the game at the 11th minute with a goal from Lambi.

From here though, it was another attacking masterclass from Gold Coast’s muscles up front with McElligot smashing another six goals in the back of the net. This takes her top of the goal scoring charts with an outstanding 18 goals from 8 games. Look out Matilda’s there might be star in our midst!

Round 10 has Gold Coast welcoming the league leaders Souths. The word is they are ready to push for supremacy, this one is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

 

SWQ Thunder FC | 1 – 7 | Moreton Bay United

West Wanderers

Moreton Bay dominate and keep their sights on league leaders.

The Thunder sit bottom of the ladder with nine losses from as many games, so they would have been looking to find that elusive first win of the season. Unfortunately for them, a consistent Moreton Bay side were just too strong as they grabbed the win to keep nipping at the heels of the top three juggernauts.

Moreton Bay’s Schaefer has now managed to grab a goal in the last of their three outings as she scored two before the break to go into half time with a comfortable 4-0 lead. In the second half, the Thunder couldn’t seem to muster a comeback, with Moreton Bay continuing their charge by bagging another three goals to confidently take the win.

Round 10 will see Moreton Bay host a struggling Mudgeeraba and they will be planning to take all three points. Thunder will continue their search for points with a tough game against Wanderers, who will be looking to capitalise on their momentum from a hard fought win this round.

 

Brisbane Roar FC/NTC | vs | Eastern Suburbs

Heath Park

Tuesday 10th April 7:30pm

The livestream match is on tonight as we get our first look at Eastern Suburbs as they welcome Roar NTC to Heath Park.  This one looks to be tough battle with only a point separating the two sides and a place in the top four beckons for the victor.