Football wrap: Queensland’s best teams, players and volunteers
Top juniors, teams of the week, silverware secured and some of the most insane stats you will see. Discover the biggest news and best stories from around Queensland
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From Cairns to the Gold Coast there are plenty of great football teams, players, officials and coaches to celebrate in Queensland.
Ahead of another huge weekend of footy here’s our look at all the big news and the must watch matches.
Content in this story has been provided by Football Queensland.
Cairns
Macca’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Men’s Round Review
The Leichhardt Lions have secured their first piece of silverware this year, claiming the inaugural Moriconi-Bomben cup on Saturday up in Mareeba in front of close to 1000 spectators.
The inaugural cup in conjunction with the Cairns Italian Festival drew huge crowds across the day, which also included a legends game between a host of former Leichhardt Lions and Mareeba United players, with the Bulls coming out 2-1 winners.
But in the main game the Leichhardt Lions grounded out a 2-1 over the home team, coming from a goal down early as Bulls strikers Steven Cater opened the scoring on the 10-minute mark, but a penalty midway through the first half which Alex Russel duly converted for the Lions, saw the sides going into the sheds one goal apiece.
In a very evenly match second half a back post header to Lions Christopher Sullivan proved the difference as the Lion secured second spot on the Macca’s FQPL Men’s ladder with the 2-1 win.
In other games across the region, the only other game played saw the Marlin Coast Rangers take out a 4-1 win over the Stratford Dolphins with Rangers striker Jerson Olachica scoring a hat-trick for the away side.
Both other games at Redlynch on Saturday and Sunday at Walker Road were washed out.
Macca’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Matches of the Round
Men
Marlin Coast Rangers vs. Southside Comets
7:00pm Saturday, 12 August | Pennell Field
Sixth place Marlin Coast Rangers host the fifth placed Southside Comets in a massive game for both sides finals hopes.
The Comets sit just one point behind Innisfail United in fourth with a significantly better goal difference (+12 vs. +1) and will be hoping a victory this weekend can secure them a place in the fi
Marlin Coast are still in with a shot of locking in a top four spot but will need other results to go their way around the grounds over the next two weeks.
Pennell Field plays host to this must watch clash on Saturday night, as both sides push for a place in the Maccas FQPL Far North & Gulf Finals.
Women
Stratford Dolphins vs. Redlynch Strikers
7:30pm Friday, 11 August | Nick Brko Field
The battle for finals heats up in the Maccas FQPL Far North & Gulf Women as the fifth placed Stratford Dolphins host third place Redlynch Strikers on Friday evening.
The Dolphins have found their groove over the past month with a perfect five wins from their last five matches, which has seen them climb from sixth, 7 points behind fourth place to fourth, just one point off a finals spot.
Redlynch have occupied a spot in the top four for most of the season, however with the fast-finishing Dolphins charging towards a top four spot and Edge Hill United (fourth) and Southside Comets Halleys (third) having games in hand, a win becomes crucial to securing deserved finals football.
Catch all the action from 7:30pm at Nick Brko Field this Friday evening.
Gold Coast
Match of the Week Men – NPL Men – Gold Coast Knights vs Lions FC
Gold Coast Knights vs Olympic FC
Gold Coast Knights enter the weekend buoyed by their Kappa Pro Series Final victory last weekend which saw them claim the first silverware on offer for the 2023 season.
The Knights play host to fourth placed Lions FC this Sunday afternoon at the Croatian Sports Centre in what is set to be an important match in the NPL Queensland premiership and finals races.
Knights’ premiership credentials will be put to the test as they play their third high profile match in just eight days, with the Knights facing a short turnaround after their Australia Cup clash with Devonport City Strikers on Wednesday night in the Australia Cup Round of 32.
Knights currently hold a five-point gap over rivals Gold Coast United in second and enter the weekend knowing that just two more wins will secure them the NPL Queensland premiership. Lions know their premiership hopes are now out of reach but are still battling to finish in the top four to secure their place in the final’s series.
Lions rescued late a point away at Rochedale last round to maintain a slender three-point lead over fifth placed Brisbane City, and travel south knowing a loss at this stage of the season could see them fall out of finals contention.
With only three games remaining in the regular season, both sides have everything to play for in what is set to be an exciting spectacle. Catch the action at the Croatian Sports Centre at 3:30pm or watch live on FQTV
Gold Coast Knights vs Lions FC Sunday, 13 August 3:30pm kick off Croatian Sports Centre
Match of the Week Women – NPL Queensland Women – Gold Coast United vs FQ Academy QAS
Gold Coast United are just a win away from securing their place in the NPL Queensland finals series but face a stern test against the inform Football Queensland Academy QAS side. The Football Queensland Academy look a different side to the one that was lingering near the foot of the table at the start of June, putting together a strong run of recent form in recent weeks to rise level on points with sixth placed Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
A Bronte Rose double was the highlight of a narrow 2-1 win for United when the sides met just two weeks ago in a midweek catch-up, catch up game.
United will be hoping their star forward can recapture her stellar recent goalscoring form to return to winning ways after back-to-back draws in their last two outings.
In addition to their recent goalscoring form, United have shown their defensive unit is also at the top of their game and will be encouraged moving towards the finals after keeping a clean sheet against the league leaders Lions last weekend.
With two high quality teams on show, this fixture is sure to excite
Head down to Coplicks Family Sports Park or watch the match live on FQTV!
Gold Coast United vs FQ Academy QAS Sunday, 13 August 4:00pm kick off Coplicks Family Sports Park, Tallebudgera
Junior Team of the Week
Coomera Under 15 Girls
Club: Coomera Football Club
Competition: South Coast Under 15 Girls
The Coomera U15 Girls team are the epitome of the Matildas attitude with a ‘never give up’ attitude having fought hard on many occasions this season, resulting in 9 wins, 7 draws and only 1 loss. We wish them all the best for the remainder of the season and are extremely proud of their efforts throughout the year both on and off the field.
Referee of the Month
Niel Kirby is one of the senior referees on the Gold Coast and his commitment to guiding our next generation of match officials on and off the field as been second to none. Neil always puts his hand up to help whenever needed and the South Coast Region is very appreciative of referees like Niel. Keep up the great work Neil.
Mackay Whitsundays
McDonald’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Matches of the Round
McDonald’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men – Mackay Wanderers FC vs. Mackay Lions FC (3:00pm, Saturday 12 August | Lions Field)
The title race heats up this weekend with a juicy top four battle on the cards.
Mackay Wanderers are currently top of the pile but hold a delicate four point lead over second place.
A loss this weekend will make things difficult as they continue their push for the Premiership.
Mackay Lions have had a tough run recently losing three of their last four matches leaving them in fourth place eight points behind Wanderers. Looking unlikely to win the Premiership, Mackay Lions attention will now turn to securing their spot in the finals.
McDonald’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women – Mackay Lions FC vs. Mackay Wanderers FC (8:00pm, Friday 11 August| Lions Field)
Mackay Lions can continue their unstoppable form this weekend and maintain the gap to second place.
The Lions are in the hot seat to win the premiership and are being chased valiantly by Whitsunday United. Lions currently sit on 37 points with Whitsunday on 34 points with the deciding match looking to be the final game of the season.
Their challenger this weekend Mackay Wanderers are out of the race for finals football and will be focusing on their finishing place, currently five points behind fifth placed Dolphins FC.
Coaches of the Month
Macca’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men
Scott Boldy has led his Whitsunday United FC to an impressive month scoring maximum points and winning two from two matches.
Macca’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women
Dolphins FC co-coaches Stephen Garnett, Rhys Hancock and Greg Kirby coached their side to a flawless July winning two from two matches and conceding only one goal.
Sunshine Coast
Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Matches of the Round
Men
Kawana FC vs. Woombye FC
8:30pm Friday, 11 August | Kawana Western Sports Precinct
Second placed Woombye FC face Kawana FC in one of the biggest clashes of the Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast season to date!
Woombye sit five points behind leaders Caloundra with a game in hand, with a victory this weekend taking the battle for the Premiership to the final round of the season.
Kawana has a lot resting on this match as well, sitting fourth with Beerwah Glasshouse and Buderim FC breathing down their necks for the last finals spot.
Make sure to get down to Kawana Western Sports Precinct to catch all the action from 8:30pm
Women
Woombye FC vs. Noosa Lions
8:30pm Friday, 11 August | Woombye Snakes FC
The Noosa Lions host Woombye FC in a must-win clash for both sides as we reach the penultimate round of the season.
Noosa sit five points behind leaders Maroochydore and will need a Steven Bradbury-esque miracle to challenge for the title with just two games remaining. Woombye are in a similar position to the Lions, sitting 10 points behind Maroochydore with three games in hand, with a final round clash against Maroochydore potentially deciding the premiership.
Head out to Woombye Snakes FC this Friday and soak up the atmosphere from 8:30pm.
Coaches of the Month
Congratulations to our Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Men Aand Women Coaches of the Month for July, Trent Kelly (Caloundra FC – Men) and Gareth Simmonds (Maroochydore FC – Women).
As the premiership battles have heated up in both men’s and women’s competitions, these two masterminds have guided their sides to unbeaten months throughout July.
Kelly’s Caloundra side defeated Coolum FC before being held to a 3-3 draw against Gympie United, with a strong performance against finals hopefuls Beerwah Glasshouse in their last match of the month.
The Eagles scored 9, conceded 4 and banked 7 points during July.
Simmonds guided his Maroochydore squad to a near perfect month, with wins against Nambour Yandina, Gympie United and Noosa Lions, with the only slip-up coming against second place Beerwah Glasshouse, where they played out a 0-0 draw.
His team scored 17 goals while conceding 0, claiming 10 points across their four matches.
Brisbane
NPL Queensland Women’s Player Spotlight
Olympic FC’s survival hopes took a massive boost over the weekend as they defeated relegation rivals Capalaba FC by three goals to one.
Vedrana Popovic played a starring role for Olympic, scoring a goal and creating an assist in a performance that saw Popovic also complete two key passes and create a further four shot assists.
Rayleen Bauelua was the chief architect for Olympic, capping off a fine all-round display by adding a goal to her two assists. Bauelua’s performance saw her complete 73% of her passes as well as winning fifteen duels and making sixteen recoveries.
Gold Coast United and Lions FC played out a goalless draw in their top four clash, with both defensive units putting in stellar displays.
Momo Hayashi’s move from midfield to defence in recent weeks again proved a masterstroke as the star defender’s partnership with new signing Mary Craven at the back proving to be a crucial cog in Gold Coast United’s recent run of form.
Hayashi’s seven interceptions and Craven’s fifteen recoveries were ably assisted by fullback Kiri Dale who made thirteen recoveries, and goalkeeper Mia Bailey who made four important saves.
Cannon Clough starred yet again for Lions, making fourty nine passes, twenty recoveries and winning thirteen duels in a commanding display from fullback, while Jamilla Rankin impressed with nineteen recoveries and 84% pass accuracy from centre half.
The Football Queensland Academy QAS continued their run of strong recent form after they held high flying Eastern Suburbs to a one-all draw.
Tully Heatley was the goal scorer for the Football Queensland Academy, completing three take-ons to complement her 74% pass accuracy.
Kaitlin McCormack continued her run of form in goal by making three reflex saves to keep out one of the league’s deadliest attacks. Eastern Suburbs’ Harkana Tkatchenko continued to show why she is one of the league’s premiere defenders, making eighteen recoveries and a mammoth seventy four passes with 87% accuracy, as Chantelle Maugeri highlighted a strong all-round performance with a stunning long-range goal.
Sunshine Coast Wanderers dented Mitchelton’s finals hopes with a clinical three one victory. Chelsea Scarff was the star for the Wanderers in a fine all-round display which saw her score a goal and create two shot assists.
Rebekah Horsey’s stellar season continued as she scored and won twelve duels at the back for the Wanderers, as goalkeeper Daisy Leweranz made seven important saves to keep her side in the contest.
Peninsula Power travelled to Souths United and secured a two-goal victory thanks to strikes from Sara D’Appolonia and Bonnie Davies, before the match was finished early after an injury halted play.
Highlights from across the NPL Women’s Competition can be watched on FQTV.
Toowoomba
Matches of the Round
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Men’s – St Albans vs Willowburn FC
It all comes down to this match as we enter the last matches of the regular season.
The premiership race hangs in the balance, with Willowburn FC holding the top spot and St Albans trailing one point behind in second place.
The upcoming Sunday clash between these two teams carries premiership implications.
St Albans must win to keep their hopes alive, while a win for Willowburn FC will earn them the 2023 Macca’s FQPL Darling Downs Premiership.
For St Albans, maintaining their scoring momentum will be key to stand a chance at claiming victory. The stage is set for a blockbuster occasion at Middle Ridge Park.
St Albans vs Willowburn FC
Sunday, 13 August 3:00 Kick Off Middle Ridge Park, Toowoomba
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Women’s – Rockville Rovers Blue vs Highfields Gold
Get ready for an epic clash this weekend, as third place Rockville Rovers take on second place Highfields Gold. Both squads have unleashed a scoring spree in recent weeks, and head into the weekend buoyed by securing impressive victories in the previous weekend. With their fantastic performances, both sides enter the final game of the regular season in top form.
In their most recent encounter, Rockville emerged victorious two goals to one. The action is set to unfold this Sunday at the Captain Cook Recreational Reserve.
Rockville Rovers Blue vs Highfields Gold Sunday, 13 August 1pm Kick Off Captain Cook Recreational Reserve-Des McGovern
Team of The Week
Willowburn U10 Gold team
The Willowburn U10 Gold team have created a great bond and culture on and off the field, despite being a brand-new team this season.
As well as playing in the MiniRoos league each week, the team has also competed in a number of junior carnivals this season.
They are coached Waad Alhavdo who plays in the FQPL U23 Men’s league for Willowburn. For several of the players, English is not their first language, but with Waad’s guidance and the support of Matt and Ashie Vels (managers) they have been able to get everyone working on the same page and loving football.
Referee of the Month
In his first year as a referee, Linday Lowery enrolled in the introductory Level 4 course to support his son Brayden by becoming an assistant referee. Lindsay’s readiness to help with game appointments highlight his dedication. His proactive approach has truly made him shine among our ranks. Congratulations Lindsay.
Townsville
McDonald’s FQPL Northern Matches of the Round
McDonald’s FQPL Northern Men – Saints Eagles Souths FC vs. Townsville Warriors FC (7:00pm, Saturday 12 August | Aitkenvale Park)
The McDonald’s FQPL Northern Men top four is now set with teams now jostling for prime finishing positions.
Saints Eagles Souths FC currently sit in third spot on the ladder with 38 points and have locked in their finals berth this season. Saints can’t surpass Brothers Townsville FC or MA Olympic FC’s points tally to enter the top two and will hope to keep third spot with a win this weekend.
Their opponent Townsville Warriors FC have missed out on finals football this season and will be hoping to round out their final matches with points.
The Saints have defeated Warriors in all of their meetings this season and will be hungry to make it a clean sweep.
Junior Player of the Week
Arlo Miller
Club: Estates FC
Arlo Miller is a player full of enthusiasm for the game and shows this in his actions on the field.
Junior Team of the Week
The Estates FC Shining Knights were chosen as the Junior Team of the Week for their camaraderie.
Referee of the Month
Football Queensland has named the Northern Referee of the Month for July, Sean Ferguson.
Sean is a senior referee who is always willing to lend a hand to junior referees and help them develop their skills. He always volunteers to travel out of town for games and is a fantastic asset to football in the North.
RESULTS
Central Coast:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 WomenFQPL 3: Clinton FC FQPL Women 0 drew with Frenchville FC FQPL Women 0, Bluebirds United FQPL Women 2 defeated Central FC FQPL Women 1, Clinton FC FQPL Women 0 drew with Central FC FQPL Women 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 MenFQPL 3: Berserker FC FQPL Men 8 defeated Bluebirds United FQPL Men 1, Southside United FQPL Men 3 defeated Central FC FQPL Men 2, Capricorn Coast FQPL Men 3 defeated Parkana FC FQPL Men 0, Clinton FC FQPL Men 3 defeated Frenchville FC FQPL Men 1.
Darling Downs:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Men : Highfields FC 3 defeated Gatton Redbacks 0, Willowburn FC 2 defeated West Wanderers 1, St Albans 2 defeated Rockville Rovers 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Women : Willowburn White 3 defeated Garden City Raiders 0, Rockville Rovers Blue 8 defeated Rockville Rovers White 0, Willowburn Black 0 drew with USQ FC 0, Highfields Gold 5 defeated Chinchilla Honeybears 0.
Metro:
FQPL 2 Men: Grange Thistle 2 drew with North Star 2, Souths United 3 defeated North Lakes United 1, Samford Rangers 6 defeated Broadbeach United 2, Magic United 2 defeated Taringa Rovers 0, Maroochydore FC 2 defeated Holland Park Hawks 1, St George Willawong 3 defeated Ipswich Knights 2.
FQPL 3 Metro Women: Samford Rangers 4 defeated North Star 0, Southside Eagles 4 defeated Toowong FC 1, Holland Park Hawks 3 defeated Rochedale Rovers 0, Springfield United 9 defeated Bethania Rams 0, Souths United 3 defeated Ipswich City 1, Wynnum Wolves 2 defeated Narangba Eagles 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Women: SWQ Thunder 3 defeated Logan Lightning 1, Brisbane City 6 defeated Western Pride 1, Robina City 2 defeated Moreton Bay United 1, Virginia United 2 defeated Broadbeach United 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 2 Women: Ipswich Knights 3 defeated The Gap FC 1, North Brisbane 2 drew with Grange Thistle 2, North Lakes United 1 defeated UQFC 0, Caboolture SFC 5 defeated Annerley FC 0, Mt Gravatt Hawks 5 defeated Pine Hills FC 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Metro Men: Pine Hills FQPL3 Men 1 defeated Newmarket FQPL3 Men 0, Mt Gravatt Hawks FQPL3 Men 2 defeated Redcliffe Dolphins FQPL3 Men 1, Bayside United FQPL3 Men 2 drew with UQFC FQPL3 Men 2, Virginia United FQPL3 Men 2 defeated Centenary Stormers FQPL3 Men 1, Acacia Ridge FQPL3 Men 4 defeated Western Spirit FQPL3 Men 0, North Pine FQPL3 Men 1 defeated North Brisbane FC FQPL3 Men 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 4 Metro Men: AC Carina 3 defeated Logan Metro 0, Tarragindi Tigers 1 defeated The Gap FC 0, Annerley FC 8 defeated Ripley Valley 0, Springfield United 4 defeated Brighton Bulldogs 1, Brisbane Knights 3 defeated Ipswich City Bulls 0, New Farm United 2 defeated Moggill FC 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 5 Metro Men: Pine Rivers Athletic 5 defeated Ridge Hills 0, FC Old Bridge 2 defeated Westside Grovely 0, Narangba Eagles 1 defeated Willowburn FC 0, Kangaroo Point Rovers 4 defeated Oxley United 0, Bardon Latrobe 2 defeated Yeronga Eagles 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 6 Metro Men: ACU 6 defeated Deception Bay 1, Logan Village Falcons 2 defeated Slacks Creek 0, Logan Roos 9 defeated Mooroondu FC 2, Pine Hills Braza FC 3 drew with Park Ridge 3, Teviot Downs 3 defeated Bethania Rams 0.
NPL Women: Gold Coast United 0 drew with Lions FC 0, Eastern Suburbs 1 drew with FQ Academy QAS 1, Peninsula Power 2 defeated Souths United 0, Sunshine Coast Wanderers 3 defeated Mitchelton FC 1, Olympic FC 3 defeated Capalaba FC 1.
Northern:
McDonald’s FQPL Men_: Burdekin FC FQPL Men 1 defeated Saints Eagles South FQPL Men 0, Ingham FC FQPL Men 1 defeated Rebels FC FQPL Men 0, Brothers Townsville FQPL Men 1 defeated Townsville Warriors FQPL Men 0, Estates FC FQPL Men 2 defeated Riverway JCU FQPL Men 1.
McDonald’s FQPL Women_: Townsville Warriors FQPL Women 5 defeated Riverway JCU FQPL Women 1, Rebels FC FQPL Women 0 drew with Riverway JCU FQPL Women 0.
South Coast:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Men South CoastFQPL 3: Southport 6 defeated Runaway Bay 2, Gold Coast Knights 3 defeated Nerang 0, Robina City FC 3 defeated Burleigh Heads 0, Musgrave 2 drew with Kingscliff 2, Palm Beach 4 defeated Coomera FC 1, Tweed United 3 defeated Murwillumbah 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Women South CoastFQPL 3: Gold Coast Knights 0 drew with Broadbeach United 0, Musgrave 0 drew with Surfers Paradise Apollo 0, Magic United 0 drew with Palm Beach 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 4 Men South CoastFQPL 4: Magic United 1 defeated Palm Beach 0, Surfers Paradise Apollo 2 defeated Southport 1, Pacific Pines 5 defeated Legends Firsts 0, Ormeau FC 4 defeated Pimpama City FC 1, Mudgeeraba 1 drew with Broadbeach United 1.
Sunshine Coast:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Men_: Caloundra FC 2 defeated Noosa Lions FC 1, Woombye Snakes FC 2 defeated Beerwah Glasshouse Utd FC 1, Gympie United FC 1 defeated Nambour Yandina United FC 0, Buderim Wanderers FC 0 drew with Coolum FC FQPL Men 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Women_: Gympie United FC FQPL Women 3 defeated Nambour Yandina United FQPL Women 2, Maroochydore Swans FQPL Women 5 defeated Sunshine Coast Fire FC FQPL Women 1, Beerwah Glasshouse Utd FQPL Women 3 defeated Woombye Snakes FQPL Women 0, Noosa Lions FQPL Women 6 defeated Caloundra FC FQPL Women 1.
Whitsunday Coast:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 MenA: Whitsunday UTD FQPL Men 7 defeated City Brothers FQPL Men 0, Mackay Rangers FC FQPL Men 8 defeated Dolphins FC FQPL Men 2, Mackay Wanderers FQPL Men 3 defeated Magpies FC FQPL Men 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 WomenA: Country United FC FQPL Women Orange 7 defeated Mackay Wanderers FQPL Women 1, City Brothers FQPL Women 7 defeated Sarina Saints FQPL Women White 0, Whitsunday UTD FQPL Women 3 defeated Magpies FC FQPL Women 1.
Wide Bay:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Wide Bay Men_: Doon Villa FQPL Men 3 defeated KSS Jets FQPL Men 1, Bingera FC FQPL Men 5 defeated Sunbury Blues FQPL Men 3, Across The Waves FQPL Men 2 defeated Fraser Flames FQPL Men 0, United Park Eagles FQPL Men 3 defeated SC Corinthians FQPL Men 2.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Wide Bay Women_: KSS Jets FQPL Women 3 defeated Doon Villa FQPL Women 0, Bingera FC FQPL Women 6 defeated Tinana FC FQPL Women 0, Fraser Flames FQPL Women 4 defeated Across The Waves FQPL Women 0.
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