Southport battling injuries and illness ahead of today’s crucial BWPL meeting with The Lakes

SOUTHPORT will enter today’s crucial Brisbane Women’s Premier League battle with The Lakes as the walking wounded but the adversity could bring out the Warriors’ best.

SOUTHPORT will enter today’s crucial Brisbane Women’s Premier League battle with The Lakes as the walking wounded but coach Trent Gregson believes the adversity will bring out the Warriors’ best.

Having strung together five-straight wins, Southport have surged into fourth spot ahead of the Round 15 fixture at home to their second-placed rivals.

However, Gregson said their resolve would be tested in the 4pm encounter, with vice-captain Jane Laker and Jemima Lockley missing, and Leigh Alexander (broken toe) and Lisa Stutz (slipped disc in neck) to play through injury.

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“The ladies have been plagued by illness and injury this week so our game preparation has really suffered,” Gregson said.

Southport vice-captain Jane Laker will miss today’s game against The Lakes. Picture: Steve Holland

“On top of those injuries and illnesses, we are missing some key players across both the prems and ressies however we are lucky enough to have depth in our women’s program so we can call on our Metro League players to step up without hesitation. It is going to be a real challenge for us this weekend but we love being the underdogs.

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“The result could determine whether or not we stay in the top four.”

Sitting ninth, Robina City travel to Taringa Rovers at 5pm today.

Broadbeach United (eighth) hosted Coomera (seventh) last night.