NPLW Rd2 Preview – GCU V Roar NTC

 

 

 

 

The Gold Coast United Women make their competitive home debut this Sunday. After a dominant display on the road in Round 1 United will be out to put on a similar performance in front of their home fans against a young Roar NTC side who got ‘bailed-up’ by the Dogs in their opener at Capalaba.

 

Coach Michael Cook was delighted with his sides 4-1 win to kick start their 2019 campaign.

“I’m very pleased with what can be best described as a dominant and professional performance”, a chuffed Cook confirmed.

“Every member of the squad played at a high level, so it’s difficult to highlight individuals from a superb team effort.

“It’s a very solid start, but the players will know it’s just the beginning and they now have to focus on being even better for the next match.”

 

United players to watch

This Sunday sees Bronti Hodgkinson face her old club for the first time. The 17 year old joined United after a year that saw her involved in the Roar NTC’s charge to the 2018 championship. Very gifted technically, the teenager is expected to grow with every game playing alongside some very experienced players of the calibre of Rie Kitano, who showed her class in the 4-1 win against Easts.

 

Bronti Hodgkinson & Zoe Lambi battle for possession in Rd1 (Photo by Albert Perez / Eastern Suburbs)

 

 

Roar NTC  at a glance

Hard to get a read on David da Silva’s 2019 squad just yet with a swag of departures from the 2018 outfit that delighted many with their late charge to the championship on the back of some superb football. As was the case in 2018, it may take some time for the ‘revamped’ youth line-up to find their feet against more experienced and more physical opposition.

 

Past Encounters

Roar NTC took the points in both matches in 2018, a 2-0 victory at Lex Bell Oval (Surfers Paradise) in Rd7 and a comprehensive 4-1 win at Logan late in the season when the young Roar were on a roll.

 

How to watch

Kick off at Coplicks is at 4pm this Sunday.

 

The match will be filmed by Football Queensland but not live-streamed. We have to wait until Rd4 against Logan on the 10th of March before the Women’s first live-streamed fixture.