Ipswich team looks to leaders for shot at Kappa Cup glory

Seasoned footballers have vital roles as Western Pride focus on Kappa Cup upset. Huge battle ahead as Ipswich Knights celebrate St Helen’s history.

Stand-in player/coach Leigh Alexander knows her team’s senior footballers will need to inspire everyone else for Western Pride to secure an upset Kappa Cup grand final victory on Friday night.

Seasoned players like captain Meagan McElligott, leading goal scorer Abbey Lloyd, goalkeeper Bianca Warrener and the determined Gladys Esquivel have vital roles against their powerhouse opponents.

Lions are the National Premier League Women’s competition champions, boosted by playing at Newmarket in the 7.30pm Cup decider.

But after taking over as interim coach from former mentor Trent Gregson, Alexander has continued to build the team’s confidence.

“It’s exciting, that’s for sure,’’ Alexander said about a shot at 2021 glory.

“It’s an inaugural Cup and being a grand final is always a good thing.

“Cup football, anything can happen.

“The girls are in good spirits.’’

Western Pride player and interim coach Leigh Alexander. Picture: David Lems

As one of the most experienced players in the side, defender Alexander said Western Pride had prepared well this week.

The team is having a dinner together on Thursday night to complete their build-up.

That’s another chance for the accomplished leaders to present a calm approach.

“We will be relying heavily on those players. They’ve played big games before and this is just another one for them,’’ Alexander said.

“They’ve had a fantastic standout season . . . and they just want to add to that.’’

Western Pride sharpshooter Abbey Lloyd. Picture: Christina Moran

Lloyd has been in superb form, scoring another hat-trick in last weekend’s 4-0 win over The Gap.

Along with McElligott, Lloyd and Warrener, Esquivel typifies the team’s commitment.

“She’s hard working and she’s extremely good on the ball,’’ Alexander said.

“Very good defensively as well.’’

Other players who have been outstanding this season include April Gleeson, Lauren Brimelow, Meg Krautz and Lisa Gregson.

Western Pride footballer Meg Krautz has been one of the hard working performers this season. Picture: Christina Moran

However, Pride suffered a massive blow when workaholic Kate Webb suffered a serious knee injury recently. Despite her setback, Webb has continued to support the team while on crutches.

“Kate brings a great presence to the team and she’s still bringing that off the field,’’ Alexander said.

In an intriguing family situation, Brisbane Roar W-League recruit and Lions defender Holly McQueen is the daughter of Western Pride operations manager Pye Augustine.

Alexander said all the pressure was on Lions in the knockout competition grand final.

“They have a fair bit to lose so no doubt they’ll come out firing,’’ she said, upbeat about her team’s progress.

“The last few weeks, everyone has really come together.

“We have played with a purpose and we’ve had a plan going into each game.

“It’s been really positive.’’

The Western Pride men also have a massive task in their final game before the Football Queensland Premier League 1 playoffs.

Fourth-placed Pride face competition leaders Brisbane City at the same field on Saturday night before meeting them again in the finals.

Ipswich Knights celebrate proud St Helen’s connection

Fresh from a 2-0 local derby victory over Western Pride, the Ipswich Knights will rekindle past memories when they tackle Sunshine Coast in Sunday’s 3pm FQPL1 match at Bundamba.

The St Helen’s Old Boys have organised an afternoon get-together for the final top grade match of the season.

The Knights were formed in 1998 from a merger between Coalstars and St Helen’s.

The Knights players will wear a retro St Helen’s strip to mark the occasion.

Head coach Andy Ogden was keen for his team to wrap up fifth place on the table after a powerful end of season charge.

“We’ve unfortunately left it one game short (of playing finals) but we just want to finish as high as we can and finish on a high,’’ Ogden said.

“We’re going with the same team. That will be four unchanged teams in a row . . . they have got confidence and consistency.’’

Ogden said having Coalstars and St Helen’s days like Sunday’s reunion were important for Ipswich football.

“It keeps the heritage of the club going and keeps the memories and all that,’’ Ogden said.

“So we’ve made up a replica kit of the mid 70s, early 80s. It will be good.

“It’s always nice to do something a little bit different.’’