Gold Coast United v The Gap – NPLWQLD Rd21 Preview
United head to Walton Bridge this afternoon looking to take their undefeated run into double figures. It’s nine games since United were on the wrong side of the scoreline, a run that’s included seven successive wins.
United Technical Director, Craig Midgley, knows that tonight’s game against the fifth placed Gap will be a big test for his squad. The Gators are on a good run of their own, coming in to this clash on the back of a five game winning streak.
United players to watch
One player Midgley will rely on to disrupt the Gap’s engine room is Jayde Lowe. The tireless midfielder has the ability to pick a telling pass, score a ‘worldie’ and consistently work hard defensively. box to box, for the team. One of Jayde’s biggest strengths is her ability to shut done the centre of the park with a bruising challenge and a tenacity to hustle and break-up opposition attacks.
Jayde Lowe in action against SWQ in Rd 20 (Patrick Kearney)
The Gap at a glance
The benchmark in recent seasons but stuttering early in 2019 after the off-season departure of long term coach Rob Askew to Lions, the Gap have returned to their best recently and sit fifth on the ladder four points behind United with a game in hand. Askew’s replacement, Gary Ward, managed to retain the majority of the 2018 premiership winning squad with captain Ruth Blackburn again central to their performances. Fresh from undoing the third placed Dogs last start, the Gap are blessed with attacking threats and with the in-form Freier sisters, Sharn and Laini, have a due with innate understanding of each other’s game who’ll be out to have a big influence on proceedings today at Walton Bridge Reserve.
Past Encounters
The two sides fought out a tough 1-1 draw in the Rd8 match-up at Coplicks with The Gap proving too strong in both 2018 encounters – a close contest in Rd 7 winning 4-3 on the bell at Walton Bridge and running riot in the reverse fixture winning 6-1 in Rd 21.
Match Details
Women’s National Premier Leagues Queensland Round 21
The Gap v Gold Coast United
Walton Bridge Reserve,
Saturday 20th July 2019
Kick-off at 7pm
The match will be livestreamed on Football Queensland’s youtube – set a reminder at this link http://bit.ly/GCUvGAP