United Women V Moreton Bay – NPLWQLD Rd12

 

 

United’s recent run of good form continued at home in Rd11, a resounding 7-1 win against Pride on the back of some quality football providing a further confidence boost ahead of a tough away trip to Albany Creek to face the competition’s front runners in Rd12.

 

United has moved to the cusp of the top four of the National Premier Leagues Women’s competition following last Saturday’s win and will be looking to continue their run against the high flying Jets who lead the pack after stringing together a brilliant run themselves.

 

While pleased with the performance against the Pride, Coach Michael Cook knows full well that there are areas of his squad’s game that need tweaking to continue the recent rise up the ladder. 

According to Cook, “it’s very pleasing that we are scoring goals from all over the field, this makes us much more difficult to defend against. And the rock solid form of our now established defence continues.”

“But we will need to be at our best once again for our next match away to Moreton Bay.”

 

“The players are relishing another opportunity to challenge themselves against one of the leading contenders in the league this season.”

 

United player to watch

Neesa Doyle has been a stalwart in United’s back four, featuring in all 26 rounds in 2018 and racking up over 60 NPLW appearances in her time on the Coast. A product of Maclean, the reliable defender’s ability to diffuse opposition attacks will be tested against a Jets attack that is brimming with class. A former attacker who bagged 7 NPLW goals in the 2016 season, Neesa’s forays forward are a valuable contribution to United’s attacking options. Captain of the side in 2018 Doyle shares the armband in 2019 with fellow defender Eloise Fryer, another from Northern NSW in United’s side.

 

Neesa Doyle in action against Logan in Rd 4 v (Sportspics)

 

Moreton Bay at a glance

After fading to finish fifth in 2018 no expense has been spared in the off-season by Coach Hano Hanofin to attract the necessary quality to Wolter Park to make a real tilt at the title in 2019. The Jets squad is brimming with W-League players and has a strong foreign contingent including Rylee Baisden who’s made a real impact since her arrival this season.

Baisden and former United forward Meg McElligott lead the Jets scoring stats in 2019. With dangers in attack all over the park and a defence bolstered by the addition of Brisbane Roar’s Nat Tatham, the Bay have strung together 9 successive wins from their 10 outings in 2019 to sit atop the ladder, their only blemish an away loss to Lions in the season opener.

 

Past Encounters

The honors were shared in 2018. The Jets prevailed 4-1 in Rd4 at Station Reserve and United took all three points away from Wolter Park with a 2-0 win in Rd17. Mackenzie Akins and Meg McElligott were on the score sheet for the Gold Coast in that match.

 

Match Details

Women’s National Premier Leagues Queensland Round 12ie

Gold Coast United v Moreton Bay United

Wolter Park

Saturday 4 May 2019

Kick-off at 7pm

 

Unfortunately no live-stream for this game.

The next scheduled women’s live-stream match is set down for Saturday the 11th of May when the Ladies take on Lions FC at Coplicks.