Mt Franklin Premier League RD7 Preview
After a weekend set a-side for catch up games, there wasn’t much catching up done by the majority of the league. Only four sides faced off against each other and the results surprised us all. The biggest upset so far this season was from Easts who ran out 2-0 winners against Annerley.
The other surprising result involved another goal-fest featuring Peninsula Power, with the Power and Capalaba finishing on even scores of 4 a piece. Everyone in the Mt. Franklin Women’s Premier League returns this weekend for Round 7 though, in what is shaping up to be a highly entertaining round. I’ve been tipping at almost 70% so far this season and got 5/5 from last round. If I can see the future, it looks like this. Virginia United v The Gap Friday 12th May 8:30pm Albert Bishop Park Virginia made something of the game against Peninsula Power last time out, scoring two goals within 20 minutes after going into the sheds at half-time 3-0 down. They couldn’t find a third and let the Power get a fourth though and couldn’t leave the journey north with anything to show. They love a game under the Friday night lights at Albert Bishop Park and will need to do something to stop Georgia Harper from scoring goals if they want to get a result on their own deck. The Gap will be stoked with their 4-0 win over Souths as they found the whole 90 minutes far too easy and cruised to a win. They’ve had a week off too after doing very little in their rout a fortnight ago. The Gators have lost both their games away from home so far this season but will be looking to get their first points on the road when they face a team that’s favoured for relegation. Prediction: The Gap 3-1
Souths United v Mitchelton Friday 12th May 8:30pm Wakerley Park Souths just can’t seem to get themselves together this season and are really struggling to get into games and be competitive. Problems playing out from the back and ultimately keeping possession are making it far too easy for opposition teams to run over the top of them. They look completely devoid of confidence at the moment and after going all the way to extra time to get past Capital League side Park Ridge in the Elaine Watson Cup in mid-week, they’ll have tired legs too. Must give their absolute all to not make this an embarrassing encounter. Mitchelton just keep on cruising and have extended their lead at the top of the table after nearest competitors Capalaba, failed to win in their catch up game last weekend. A hugely impressive win in the Northside Derby against Pine Hills in their last outing may have topped up their confidence levels, if that is even possible. Many would’ve expected a Mitchelton win, but by 8 goals is quite remarkable. They’re really beginning to show they may just be too good for this league. I watched them beat Toowong 15-0 in a pre-season friendly and have fears this may go the same way. Prediction: Mitchelton to win way too comfortably.
Annerley v Peninsula Power Saturday 13th May 3:15pm Elder Oval Few would’ve expected Annerley to lose 2-0 to Eastern Suburbs in their catch up game from Round 2 and they’ll be expecting nothing but 3 points when they return to Elder Oval to face the Peninsula Power. The Power can though as we’ve seen score lots of goals in games and put 4 passed Capalaba in their last match. Annerley must be careful they don’t become another team to be involved in a score-fest draw with the girls from Redcliffe. They’re the second highest scorers in the league, but have the third worst defence and Peninsula Power must surely learn how to defend soon. Scoring 4 against Capalaba is quite an achievement though and Melissa Limov finding her goal scoring boots is encouraging. Brittany Whitfield has also got 6 goals in 5 games and is another option upfront. Prediction: Annerley 3-2
Pine Hills v Capalaba Saturday 13th May 7:00pm James Drysdale Reserve It all looked to be coming along for Pine Hills before their encounter with Mitchelton, and I really felt they would’ve given the league leaders a go. They were just not good enough against their nearest rivals. It gets only marginally easier for them when they face second placed Capalaba. Another huge game for Hills for the second week in a row, but they’re back at home and will be desperate to make amends. A win here will really shake up the top four, and potentially put them into second, a loss and they could slip as low as seventh. For Capalaba the mid-week draw with Peninsula Power will be looked at as two points dropped. They’re yet to lose this season and have shown they will never give up a fight. But with an Elaine Watson Cup game played last night, the Bulldogs may be weary for this clash. Pine Hills had the Bye in the cup this round and also didn’t play last weekend meaning when the two sides meet on Saturday, Capalaba will have played two games in 10 days and Pine Hills will have played none. Fern Doyle leads a dangerous line and will make Capalaba pay if they succumb to fatigue. Prediction: 3-3 Draw
