NPLW Rd3 Preview – GCU v Wanderers
On the road this week for the Women, a trip to the Sunshine Coast for their Rd3 clash with the Wanderers. Following back to back wins to open their 2019 campaign, United head north focused on making it three on the trot when they visit Ballinger Park this Sunday.
After his sides 2-1 win over the young Roar in Round 2, Michael Cook has his eyes set on steady improvement heading into this weekend.
“Every team in this league is dangerous, the girls know we’ll have to be at our best again to make it three out of three, and that will be the aim,” Cook confirmed.
According to Cook one of the big positives to come out of the Roar win last Sunday was that the girls came off the field talking about the little things they could be doing better, “which is great, when they’re identifying that.”
“If we’re winning games while we’ve still got some improvement to do, then we’re in a pretty good space.”
United players to watch
Georgina Adnum (22) joined United from Western Pride in the off-season and has quickly become a solid ally for central defensive partner Momo Hayashi. Georgina’s ability to read play and her tenacity will be put to the test again this Sunday against a pacey, youthful Wanderer’s attacking line-up.
Georgina Adnum & Indiah Kubin battling for possession in in Rd2 (Photo AGM Photography)
Sunshine Coast Wanderers at a glance
The Wanderers disappointed in 2018 finishing 12th and coach Anthony Roche has placed plenty of faith in the U17 premiership winning side to bolster prospects this season with 11 of that side promoted to the NPLW squad. After a first up Rd1 bye, the ‘Wanderettes’ were mauled by the Dogs at Capalaba in Rd2. That 6-1 loss indicates take it may take some time for this bunch of talented youngsters to adjust to the speed and physicality of the Women’s competition.
Two of the leading lights in 2018 have returned and will be key to any success in 2019. Leading scorer, Samara Christmas, will be looking to better her 16 goal tally and Rui Yang’s experience will be a steadying influence among the younger players.
Past Encounters
United won both 2018 NPLW fixtures. A dominant 6-2 win at Robina in Rd 13 was followed up with a 2-0 win on the road in Rd 26.
How to watch
The game gets underway in Buderim at 12pm 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.