Football wrap: We shine a light on Queensland’s must-watch games

Ready for a massive weekend of Football Queensland action? Here are the top matches and players from Cairns to the Gold Coast you have to watch this weekend.

SWQ Thunder's Tash Ridley. Picture: Annette's Action Shots

With the Easter break firmly in the rear view mirror football teams across the state are now focused on asserting their dominance in their respective leagues.

Here’s our look at the mouth-watering clashes and key players ready for action this weekend.

Information in this column is provided by the Football Queensland Media Team.

Far North

The FQPL Far North & Gulf rolls on this week as we head into Round 7 with the league ladders starting to take shape after some earlier rain-affected rounds.

The headline bout of the weekend is coming your way on Friday night, with a blockbuster top of the table women’s clash between Edge Hill Tigers and Redlynch Strikers at Tiger Park. Redlynch are setting the pace at the top of the women’s ladder, with four wins from four courtesy of hot starts from Cassie Ross and Georgia Strahan in front of goal, with the pair equal first in the Kappa Golden Boot race.

Edge Hill had a delayed start to the year, with wet weather meaning they didn’t play across the first three weeks of the season.

Since they got their campaign underway, they’ve been a force with comfortable wins over Southside Comets and Mareeba United.

The match against Redlynch this weekend will be a true test of their capabilities this season while also confirming Redlynch’s credentials as a premiership contender.

Get down to Tiger Park this Friday top catch all the action.

Women

Friday April 19

Edge Hill Tigers vs. Redlynch Strikers, Tiger Park, 8.30pm

Southside Comets vs. Stratford Dolphins, Walker Road, 8.30pm

Sunday April 21

Innisfail United vs. Leichhardt FC, Leichhardt Lions FC, 3pm

Men

Saturday April 20

Edge Hill Tigers vs. Redlynch Strikers, Tiger Park, 7pm

Southside Comets vs. Stratford Dolphins, Walker Road, 7pm

Marlin Coast Rangers vs. Mareeba United, Pennell Field, 7pm

Sunday April 21

Innisfail United vs. Leichhardt FC, Leichhardt Lions FC, 5pm

Joel Russell (right) has been in top form for Gold Coast Knights this season.

South Coast

It’s first versus third in the FQPL 3 South Coast Men’s competition this weekend, as the undefeated Robina and Kingscliff go head-to-head at Robina Common on Saturday afternoon. Both teams enter the weekend with perfect records winning all four of their matches this season.

Lee Vernon’s Robina have picked up where they left off last season, scoring freely while being solid at the back.

Robina sent a shockwave through the competition last weekend dismantling Coomera 19-2.

After finishing third last season, and 11 points behind the eventual premiers Southport, Kingscliff have refreshed their coaching and playing staff with the appointment of last season’s FQPL 1 winning coach from Surfers Paradise Apollo, Alex Morrison.

Kingscliff Wolves line up in their Queensland Cup Clash against Lions FC.

Kingscliff's Morgan Saunders.

Bringing several high-quality players back to the South Coast competition, Morrison’s side have gotten off to a strong start in both the league and cup competitions.

In the biggest move of the summer, last season’s FQPL 1 Men’s Player of the Year Morgan Saunders has been a revelation for Kingscliff, netting three goals in the league and a statewide high of eight goals in the Kappa Queensland Cup.

The stage is set for an enthralling battle between two elite sides, make sure to head down to the Robina Common at 4pm to see this one play out.

NPL match preview

The Gold Coast Knights will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the National Premier Leagues Men’s table this Friday night as they host Brisbane City FC at the Croatian Sports Centre.

Carrying the momentum of four league wins in a row, the 2023 treble winners have been in strong form since their shock 1-0 loss to Peninsula Power in the beginning of March.

Scott McDonald’s men have scored 19 goals and only let in four this season and will be looking to keep the trailing Wynnum Wolves and Lions FC at bay with another three points.

Young forwards Joel Russell, Zander Guy and Godfrey Debele have both been in top goalscoring form this season, highlighting the Knights strength in depth this season.

Knights will look to their firepower to edge out a Brisbane City side that boasts international experience in the form of former Socceroo James Meredith, who has been in top form for his new side since joining in the summer.

It’s set to be a star-studded clash at Croatian this Friday, make sure to head out and take in the atmosphere in what is sure to be an exciting matchup between two high quality outfits.

Whitsunday Coast

Round 6 of the FQPL Whitsunday Coast promises intriguing match-ups in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

In the women’s, Whitsunday United will host City Brothers at home.

Whitsunday aims to rebound from their recent loss, while City Brothers seek to break their losing streak and secure a much-needed victory.

Meanwhile, in the men’s competition fourth-placed Whitsunday United will face off against third-placed Mackay Rangers in a highly anticipated showdown.

Whitsunday looks to recover from a convincing loss to Mackay Lions, while Rangers are eager to continue their wining momentum.

This clash promises to be a battle of attacking prowess and defensive resilience.

Women

Friday April 19

Mackay Wanderers vs. Country United, Wanderers Park, 8pm

Mackay Rangers vs. Magpies FC, Rangers FC, 8pm

Saturday April 20

Whitsunday United vs. City Brother, Whitsunday United, 6pm

Men

Saturday April 19

City Brothers vs. Mackay Wanderers, City Brothers Field, 7pm

Whitsunday Untied vs. Mackay Rangers, Whitsunday United, 7pm

Mackay Lions vs. Magpies FC, Lions Field, 7pm

Round 5 recap

The FQPL Whitsunday Coast saw a thrilling return to action over the weekend after a two-week break.

In the men’s competition Magpies FC faced off against Mackay Wanderers in an intense battle, securing a narrow 3-2 victory.

Meanwhile, Mackay Rangers made a strong comeback from the break, with Angus McKenzie’s hat-trick leading them to a commendable 5-3 win over City Brothers.

In the women’s competition Dolphins FC’s Olivia Garnett showcased goal scoring form after the break, scoring a crucial double to help secure another victory for her team against Magpies FC.

Despite Rebecca Kinsela’s double efforts, City Brothers narrowly lost 3-2 in a closely contested match against Country United.

Mackay Lions, led by Keira Volker’s double, clinched a comfortable win against last year’s champions Whitsunday United.

FQPL Whitsunday Coast Round 5 Results

Women

Magpies FC 1-3 Dolphins FC

Mackay Wanderers 0-2 Mackay Rangers

Country United 3-2 City Brother

Whitsunday United 0-3 Mackay Lions

Men

Magpies FC 3-2 Mackay Wanderers

City Brothers 2-5 Mackay Rangers

Whitsunday United 0-3 Mackay Lions

Sunshine Coast

The FQPL Sunshine Coast rolls on this week as we head into Round 7 with the league ladders starting to take shape.

The headline men’s bout of the weekend is an intriguing clash between third placed Caloundra FC and fourth place Buderim Wanderers.

Caloundra didn’t get their premiership defence off to the greatest of starts but have fought back to win their last three matches and have the equal second-best defensive record in the league.

Buderim have started their 2024 the opposite way to Caloundra, having won their first three matches before succumbing to back-to-back losses to slip to fourth.

All eyes will be on Buderim marksman Cormac Melling-Williams who sits second in the Kappa Golden Boot standings with an impressive five goals to date.

In the women’s competition, Woombye Snakes host leaders Maroochydore FC in what shapes as a mouth-watering top three clash.

Maroochydore have started the season on fire with four wins from four, with Gabby Postan (3) and Ruby Miezitis (2) the leading scorers for the Swans.

Woombye will be out to end the Swans winning streak with star striker Georgia Dixson leading the way with six goals from her opening four matches.

Women

Friday April 19

Beerwah Glasshouse vs. Gympie United, Glasshouse Mountains Sportsground, 6.30pm

Nambour Yandina vs. Kawana FC, Yandina Sports Complex, 8.30pm

Woombye Snakes vs. Maroochydore FC, Woombye Snakes FC, 8.30pm

Men:

Saturday April 20

Noosa Lions vs. Baringa FC, Noosa Lions FC, 5pm

Maroochydore FC vs. Kawana FC, Maroochydore FC, 5pm

Woombye Snakes vs. Nambour Yandina, Woombye Snakes FC, 6pm

Buderim Wanderers vs. Caloundra FC, Ballinger Park, 6pm

Coolum FC vs. Beerwah Glasshouse, Coolum Sports Complex, 6pm

Sunshine Coast volunteer of the month winner Barry Luckman.

March Volunteer of the Month Winner

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month for March, Barry Luckman from Cooroora United

“Barry is everywhere at the club, no one knows how he keeps a job and his family happy with all he does for the people, young and old (especially the over 35s team who need lots of help) at the club. From looking after kids’ teams, organising summer football, mowing and working bees, plus the admin side of it, he is an absolute superstar for our club.”

SWQ Thunder's Tash Ridley. Picture: Annette's Action Shots

Darling Downs

The SWQ Thunder have a challenge ahead of them this weekend as the prepare to host Robina City.

The FQPL 1 women’s team currently sit in eighth place ahead after drawing 3-3 with Capalaba and losing 2-1 to Moreton City Excelsior.

Memories of a second-place finish and a grand final trip to Suncorp Stadium last season will spur on Tim Taylor’s side who will be eager to put their early season form behind them, as they look to rally against Robina.

Travelling up the range is a Robina side in goalscoring form, fresh off the back of an impressive 8-1 demolition of Ipswich Knights last weekend.

The match kicks off at 12.15pm at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Sunday.

SWQ Thunder's Mel Lloyd. Picture: Annette's Action Shots

Golden Boot Leader Jok Ayii (Left) of West Wanderers FC competes against St Albans. Picture: DSL Photography

FQPL preview

After a brief hiatus for the Easter break, both the men’s and women’s FQPL competitions are gearing up to resume this weekend across the Darling Downs, with anticipation high heading into the next round of fixtures

In the men’s competition, West Wanderers have set the pace, led by the formidable Jok Ayii, who has already notched up an impressive six goals in the opening four games to lead the golden boot standings.

However, the competition remains tight, with St Albans and Rockville Rovers in close pursuit on seven and six points respectively, with Rockville Rovers having a game in hand.

Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Willowburn White, Highfields Green, and USQ FC have established themselves as early frontrunners with each claiming a perfect record of four wins from four games.

Goals have been flowing freely, particularly for Willowburn White and Highfields Green, with star players Penny Dukes, Courtney Morris, Chloe Clarke, and Emily Prestipino leading the charge for their teams.

Bridget Peden has been a standout for Highfields Green, netting an incredible 11 goals in just four appearances, as has Ameleah-Paige Miller with seven.

Their formidable partnership for Highfields Green is set to give defenders more sleepless nights in the coming weeks, as one of the most exciting league seasons in recent times begins to heat up.

Northern

Round 6 promises intriguing match-ups in both the men’s and women’s fixtures this Saturday night.

The women’s games will kick off with Saints Eagles Souths hosting Estates FC at Aitkenvale Park.

Saints Eagles Souths will enter the match with boosted confidence following their first win last weekend, while Estates FC are still in search of their first victory of the 2024 season.

In the men’s competition, third-placed Burdekin FC will travel to Joe Baker Field to take on fourth-placed Riverway JCU.

Burdekin FC, coming off a recent win, will aim to maintain their momentum, while Riverway JCU will look to reignite their season with a victory.

FQPL Northern Round 6 Fixtures:

Women

Saturday April 20

Saints Eagles Souths vs. Estates FC, Aitkenvale Park, 5pm

Riverway JCU vs. Burdekin FC, Joe Baker Field, 5.30pm

MA Olympic vs. Townsville Warriors, Olympic Park, 8pm

Men:

Saturday, 20 April

MA Olympic vs. Townsville Warriors, Olympic Park, 6pm

Saints Eagles Souths vs. Estates FC, Aitkenvale Park, 7pm

Rebels FC vs. Brothers Townsville, Greenwood Park, 7pm

Riverway JCU vs. Burdekin FC, Joe Baker Field, 7.30pm

Round 5 recap

FQPL men and women were back in action over the weekend after a two-week break.

In the women’s competition Brothers Townsville proved too strong for Riverway JCU with Kristy Hope delivering a standout performance by scoring a hat-trick.

Burdekin FC hosted Saints Eagles Souths on Sunday in a thrilling match that saw Saints clinch their first win of the season.

Rachel McMahon has a brilliant game, earning herself player of the match with a hat-trick to secure Saints a thrilling 4-3 win.

In the men’s competition, Brothers Townsville and MA Olympic extended their winning streaks with comfortable victories over Riverway JCU and Rebels FC, respectively.

Burdekin secured their third win of the season with a 3-1 win over Saints Eagles Souths.

Results

Women

Townsville Warriors 0-0 Estates FC

Brothers Townsville 6-0 Riverway JCU

Burdekin FC 3-4 Saints Eagles Souths

Men

Brothers Townsville FC 3-0 Riverway JCU

MA Olympic FC 6-0 Rebels FC

Townsville Warriors 1-1 Estates FC

Burdekin FC 3-1 Saints Eagles Souths