Gold Coast United v Brisbane Roar – NPL Qld Rd21 Preview

 

 

 

 

United head to the Logan Metro Sports Complex on Sunday to face the Brisbane Roar, a match-up that continues the traditional rivalry borne out of the ‘M1 derby’ during the club’s A-league era.

After a disappointing loss to a red-hot Strikers last start, United have upped the intensity and focus heading into this match, eyeing off a double over the young Roar. Having freshened-up his squad with two new signings this week Kristian Rees has his charges primed to make a concerted push towards a finals spot. 

 

United player to watch

Tom Miller’s been on target notching up 3 goals in 3 consecutive matches recently after settling into his role in Rees’ squad. Miller played his junior football in the Northern Rivers before starting his NPL journey at the Palm Beach Sharks. A standout season under Grae Piddick in 2015 for the Sharks led to a switch to the Roar youth setup and several seasons in Brisbane.

Returning to the coast the attacker linked once again with the Sharks, spending 2018 in the Gold Coast Premier League before agreeing to join United. Rising to that challenge, Miller’s proving to be another astute signing for Rees.

Tom Miller in action against hid former club in Rd6 (Sportspics)

 

Roar at a glance

Coming into this match young Roar sit 10th on the ladder. After winning the 2019 National Youth League title, the Jake Goodship coached side were tipped by many to be a more competitive outfit in 2019 than the 9th placed 2018 version.

Having started the NPL season with a sprinkling of A-League experienced players, the current squad is more reflective of Roar’s ‘youth first’ policy with faith placed in the some of the best young rising talent in the state. Keep an eye on Mirza Muratovic, the side’s top scorer with 7 goals. Harry Talbot is another who’s been impressive in his appearances for Goodship’s squad, as has Duante Mariner since he recently joined the Roar.

 

Past Encounters

United bagged a 3-1 win in Rd6 at Coplicks. Brandon Reeves, Conor Smith and Cian Cuba scored United’s goals. In 2018 the honors were shared, the Roar winning at Robina Station Reserve and United taking the points in the reverse fixture at Logan.

 

Match Details

National Premier Leagues Queensland Round 21

Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United

Sunday, 23 June 2019

Kick-off at 3pm

Logan Metro Sports Complex

 

How to watch

Can’t make it to Logan, the game will be streamed on Football Queensland’s youtube channel http://bit.ly/GCUvRoar