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Football Queensland highlights big matches and players across state

Catch up on the best regional football action from Cairns to the Gold Coast and see which players starred as the competition for finals places heats up. All in this week’s round ball round up.

Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.

From Townsville and Cairns in the north to Toowoomba and the Gold Coast – the race to secure finals spots is heating up across Queensland.

Here’s Football Queensland’s look at the big results, key matches and star players who will shape the trophy hopes of their clubs.

On the NPLQ front we’ve finalised our top 100 male and the female players of the season to date.

Find out who from your club cracked the list here.

Information in this article is provided by Football Queensland Media Team

Far North and Gulf

The recent holiday clinics hosted by Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC at Endeavour Park, Innisfail United and Mareeba United were a resounding success.

A total of 89 girls and boys participated, enjoying sessions that were both fun and educational. Led by qualified coaches, the clinics focused on essential game skills such as 1v1 play, first

touch, striking the ball, and running with the ball.

The event fostered a supportive environment for young players to develop their abilities and make new friends.

The next round of clinics is set for September.

Young FNG players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics. Picture: Football Queensland.
Young FNG players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics. Picture: Football Queensland.
Young FNG players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics. Picture: Football Queensland.
Young FNG players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics. Picture: Football Queensland.
Young FNG players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics. Picture: Football Queensland.
Young FNG players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics. Picture: Football Queensland.

Results

Women

Southside Comets 8 def Innisfail United 0

Edge Hill United 2 def Leichhardt Lions 0

Mareeba United 1 def by Redlynch Strikers 4

Men

Marlin Coast Rangers 8 def Stratford Dolphins 1

Postponed: Edge Hill United vs. Leichhardt Lions

Southside Comets 3 drew with Innisfail United 3

Mareeba United 6 def Redlynch Strikers 0

Fixtures

Women

Friday, July 12

Edge Hill Tigers vs Southside Comets at Edge Hill Tigers, 8.30pm

Redlynch Strikers vs Leichhardt Lions at Calanna Park, 8.30pm

Saturday, July 13

Stratford Dolphins vs Women Mareeba United FC at Nick Brko Field, 7pm

Men

Saturday, July 13

Stratford Dolphins vs Mareeba United at Nick Brko Field at Stratford, 5pm

Marlin Coast Rangers vs Innisfail United at Pennell Field-Trinity Beach, 7pm

Redlynch Strikers vs Leichhardt Lions at Calanna Park, 7pm

Sunday July 14

Edge Hill Tigers vs Southside Comets at Tiger Park, 5pm

Gold Coast

This Sunday, the Gold Coast Knights will be looking to continue their winning form in the

National Premier League Men’s following a shock exit in the Kappa Pro Series.

The Knights suffered their first defeat in almost two months, after Lions secured a 4-2 victory against them in the Pro Series semi-final.

Despite what this recent performance suggests, Knights enters this match three points clear atop of the ladder with a game in hand, proving they are still one of the frontrunners for this year’s competition.

Gold Coast Knights players celebrate a goal.
Gold Coast Knights players celebrate a goal.

This weekend’s matchup will see the Knights face off against the Sunshine Coast Wanderers for the first time since meeting in the Kappa Queensland Cup earlier this season.

A game where Sunshine Coast were able to pull off the upset victory, knocking out the Knights on penalties.

Another Sunshine Coast victory could see them climb into a top six spot on the table.

With finals fast approaching, this weekend’s result could prove to be crucial for both teams at the end of the season.

If the history between these two teams is anything to go by, this game will not be one to miss.

Gold Coast Knights will host the fixture on Sunday, July 14 from 4pm at Carrara’s Croatian Sports Centre.

South Coast weekend review

Last weekend was an opportunity for previously postponed fixtures to be played during the

FQPL 3 South Coast competitions ‘catch up round’.

Despite only few matches taking place over the weekend, there were plenty of top individual performances. Take a look at the best players from the weekend as voted by the coaches.

Men

Ormeau vs. Robina City (2-4)

Ormeau

Rhys Buick, 3

Ricardo Magalhaes, 2

Courtney Smith, 1

Robina City

Ethan Leighton, 3

Adam Endean, 2

Ryan Hawken, 1

U23 Men

Ormeau vs. Robina City (1-2)

Women

Palm Beach vs. Magic (2-2)

Whitsunday Coast

The FQPL Whitsunday competitions are heading towards the pointy end of the season.

This means those three points for a win become even more crucial, especially in deciding the top four.

In the women’s competition, Whitsunday United FC and Magpies FC are sitting second and third respectively, equal on points, with goal difference separating the two teams.

Fourth-placed Dolphins are just one point behind.

In the men’s competition, Magpies FC are comfortably at the top of the table, more than two games clear of second place.

Whitsunday United are sitting in second on 27 points, with Mackay Lions three points behind. There is a large gap between third and fourth, with Mackay Rangers holding that position.

Hot on their heels are City Brothers in fifth, just two points behind.

If Brothers win their next game, they could move into fourth.

This weekend’s matches of the round will be interesting, with the women kicking off first this Friday night.

Current ladder leaders, Mackay Lions, host third-placed Magpies FC at home.

Mackay Lions remain undefeated this season, while Magpies are currently on a three-game winning streak.

In the men’s competition, third-placed Mackay Lions host second-placed Whitsunday United at home.

A win for Whitsunday will see them move one game clear and hold onto second place a little more comfortably.

A win for Mackay Lions will see them equal on points with Whitsunday but hold onto third due to points difference.

Fixtures

Women

Friday, July 12

Mackay Wanderers vs City Brothers, Wanderers Park, 8pm

Mackay Lions vs Magpies FC, Lions, 8pm

Country United vs Dolphins, Tiger Park, 8pm

Saturday, July 13

Whitsunday United vs Mackay Wanderers, Whitsunday United FC, 6pm

Sunday, July 14

Whitsunday United vs Dolphins FC, Whitsunday United FC, 4.30pm

Men

Saturday, July 13

Magpies FC vs Mackay Wanderers, Magpies FC, 7pm

City Brothers vs Mackay Rangers, City Brothers, 7pm

Mackay Lions vs Whitsunday United, 7pm

Top players

FQPL Whitsunday Coast Results and top performers from the weekend recognised by their coaches

Women

Country United 1 – 2 Magpies FC

Kristy Muscat – 3

Shikira Elliot – 2

Shelby Harding – 1

Mackay Rangers 3 – 2 City Brothers

Macy Rudken – 3

Matilda Wiggins – 2

Sarah Stemm – 1

Dolphins FC 0 – 7 Whitsunday United FC

Willow Gaffney – 3

Hazel Farrell – 2

Monique Francis – 1

Men

Whitsunday United 0 – 4 Magpies FC

Jayden Balarezo – 3

Warrick Jansen – 2

Felipe Jimenez

Mackay Rangers 1 – 2 Mackay Lions

Tristan Smith – 3

Daniel Gardner – 2

Angus McKenzie – 1

Sunshine Coast

The recent holiday clinics hosted by Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC at Woombye FC and Caloundra FC were a resounding success.

More than 140 girls and boys participated, enjoying sessions that were both fun and educational.

Led by qualified coaches, the clinics focused on essential game skills such as 1v1 play, first touch, striking the ball, and running with the ball.

The event fostered a supportive environment for young players to develop their abilities and make new friends.

The next round of clinics is set for September.

Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Sunshine Coast players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.

Fixtures

Men

Saturday, July 13

Noosa Lions vs Beerwah Glasshouse Utd at Noosa Lions FC, 5pm

Maroochydore FC vs Caloundra FC at Maroochydore Swans FC, 6pm

Woombye Snakes FC vs Gympie United FC at Woombye Snakes FC, 6pm

Nambour Yandina Utd FC vs Coolum FC at Nambour Yandina Utd FC, 6pm

Buderim Wanderers FC vs Baringa FC at Ballinger Park, 6pm

Women

Friday, July 12

Maroochydore FC vs Beerwah Glasshouse Utd at Maroochydore Swans, 8.30pm

Woombye Snakes vs Noosa Lions FC at Woombye Snakes FC, 8.30pm

Gympie United FC vs Kawana FC at Gympie Field, 8.30pm

Results

Men

Postponed: Beerwah Glasshouse vs. Buderim Wanderers

Postponed: Gympie United vs. Coolum FC

Postponed: Baringa FC vs. Maroochydore FC

Nambour Yandina 1 drew with Noosa Lions 1

Postponed: Caloundra FC vs. Kawana FC

Women

Maroochydore FC 6 def Nambour Yandina 1

Darling Downs

Darling Downs FQPL Men’s league offers an exciting matchup between St Albans and West Wanderers.

With spots in the top four in tight contention, this weekend’s matchup could prove to have big implications for finals.

St Albans enter this matchup looking to continue their winning ways, after recording wins in

both of their last two games.

Since this run of form, St Albans currently sit fourth on the table and three points ahead of fellow finals challengers Highfields.

St Albans keeper Braydan Lobwein goes up for the ball.
St Albans keeper Braydan Lobwein goes up for the ball.

With finals spots in tight contention, a victory against the league leaders will announce to the rest of the competition that St Albans are formidable contenders come finals.

Their opponents West Wanderers are the frontrunners for this year’s competition, narrowly leading the table as it stands.

Wanderers enthralling style of football has been the catalyst for their success, being the league’s most proficient attacking and defensively sound team.

Another victory on Sunday will extend their unbeaten run to five games, further asserting

their dominance atop of the league.

This weekend’s matchup is set to be a belter.

Make sure you get to Middle Ridge Park, 3pm this Sunday to catch all the action.

Weekend review

Plenty of exciting games took place over the weekend providing a plethora of goals to boot. The FQPL Darling Downs competitions player votes were hotly contested, take a look at the players who performed best for their teams, as voted by the coaches.

Men

Gatton vs. Highfields (2-3)

Gatton

Daniel Cronin, 3

Justin Newby, 2

Adam Halstead, 1

Highfields

Joshua Green, 3

Thomas Jeffcoat, 2

Chase Miller, 1

Warwick vs St Albans (0-7)

Warwick

Saxon Charles, 3

Alexander Dwan, 2

Tarj Willmot, 1

Rockville vs. West Wanderers (1-1)

Rockville

Ameer Sulaiman, 3

William Gibson, 2

Connor Simpson, 1

West Wanderers

Callum Zadow, 3

Caelen Richardson, 2

Jeapson Peter, 1

St Albans huddle up before a match.
St Albans huddle up before a match.
Jok Ayii fires off a pass for West Wanderers.
Jok Ayii fires off a pass for West Wanderers.

Women

Chinchilla vs. USQFC (0-1)

Chinchilla

Sally Carroll, 3

Annie Johnson, 2

Jorja Keating, 1

USQ FC

Peppa Hoare, 3

Samantha Joyce, 2

Joyce De Wit, 1

Willowburn Black vs. Highfields Gold (2-0)

Willowburn Black

Jade Gaske, 3

Danielle Kena, 2

Catherine Cann, 1

Highfields Gold

Emma-Louise Bonham, 3

Rebecca van Zyl, 2

Shayla Milsom, 1

Rockville vs Willowburn White (0-2)

Rockville

Steffi Wilson, 3

Sheniya Bell, 2

Emmersyn Ranford, 1

Willowburn White

Courtney Morris, 3

Chloe Clarke, 2

Penny Dukes, 1

Warwick vs. Highfields Green (2-4)

Warwick

Charlotte Goodwin, 3

Kaitlyn Newley, 2

Laura Wyvill, 1

Highfields Green

Chloe Green, 3

Bridget Peden, 2

Brooke Baldwin, 1

Young Darling Downs players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Darling Downs players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.

Roar clinic

The recent holiday clinics hosted by Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC at Captain Cook Fields were a resounding success.

A total of 44 girls and boys participated, enjoying sessions that were both fun and educational. Led by qualified coaches, the clinics focused on essential game skills such as 1v1 play, first touch, striking the ball, and running with the ball.

The event fostered a supportive environment for young players to develop their abilities and make new friends. The next round of clinics is set for September.

Northern

What a weekend of FQPL Northern action. The men’s competition saw two major upsets, while the women’s featured some tight tussles.

In the women’s match of the round, Brothers Townsville hosted Townsville Warriors and secured a comfortable 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, Riverway JCU recorded their fifth straight loss against Saints Eagles Souths.

In the men’s competition, there were some unexpected results.

MA Olympic recorded their first loss of the season against Burdekin FC.

A double by Jay Leckenby was enough for the Panthers to secure a 2-1 win, giving them a massive confidence boost heading towards the pointy end of the season.

The second upset of the round was between Brothers Townsville and Townsville Warriors. Second placed Brothers hosted seventh-placed Warriors at Hi Vista Park, but the home advantage didn’t help.

Warriors, determined to win, secured an impressive 4-3 victory.

Saints Eagles Souths handed Riverway JCU their third straight loss, and Estates FC secured a comfortable win over Rebels FC.

Here are the top performers from the weekend recognised by their coaches:  

Women

Brothers Townsville 2 – 0 Townsville Warriors

Darcy Bailey – 3

Carrie Pittman – 2

Isabella Duiker – 2

Riverway JCU 1 – 3 Saints Eagles Souths

Ariadne Brodmann – 3

Hannah Jones – 2

Rachel McMahon – 1

MA Olympic FC 3 – 0 Burdekin FC (Forfeit)

Men

MA Olympic 1 – 2 Burdekin FC

Mason Matthews – 3

Ryan Scodellaro – 2

Jay Leckenby – 2

Young Townsville players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Townsville players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Townsville players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Townsville players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Townsville players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.
Young Townsville players participating in the first edition of the Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC Holiday Clinics.

Brothers Townsville 3 – 4 Townsville Warriors

Jai Duxbury – 3

Brody Lejarraga – 2

Gabriel Richards – 1

Rebels FC 1 – 5 Estates FC

Travis Mackenzie – 3

Ramadhan Pascal – 2

Sadiki Mwinyi – 1

Riverway JCU 1 – 2 Saints Eagles Souths

Trent Grant – 3

Christopher Mayo – 2

Daniel Gregory – 1

Fixtures

Women

Saturday, July 13

Estates FC vs MA Olympic FC at Burt St Football Park, 3pm

Burdekin FC vs Brothers Townsville at International Park, 5pm

Men

Saturday July 13

Saints Eagles Souths vs Rebels FC at Aitkenvale Park, 7pm

Estates FC vs MA Olympic at Burt St Football Park, 7pm

Burdekin FC vs Brothers Townsville at International Park, 7pm

Townsville Warriors vs Riverway JCU at Melrose Park, 7pm

Roar clinic

The Football in the Community holiday clinics have been a roaring success.

The recent holiday clinics hosted by Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC at Burdekin FC and Paradise Park were a resounding success.

A total of 76 girls and boys participated, enjoying sessions that were both fun and educational. Led by qualified coaches, the clinics focused on essential game skills such as 1v1 play, first touch, striking the ball, and running with the ball.

The event fostered a supportive environment for young players to develop their abilities and make new friends. The next round of clinics is set for September.

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/football-queensland-highlights-big-matches-and-players-across-state/news-story/3c252e601bdb2f29d1526838a69265e0