Mt Franklin Women's Premier League Preview - RD14
It’s getting towards the time of year when teams drop off and the top four begins to take shape so form is all-important. Whilst the top two almost pick themselves, there is plenty of interest further down the table and with Mitchelton vs Easts being postponed to make way for the Tiger's Elaine Watson Cup game at home to Buderim Orange, it’s a chance to close the gap for Capalaba. On with the show... Capalaba vs Annerley Friday 8:30pm at John Fredericks Park Capalaba have scored eleven goals in two games and were elected to the Women's NPL during the week. Things are very good right now it’s fair to say and, despite not being on the park for a while, anything but a win this weekend would be an upset. It speaks volumes that this game is against the team directly below them on the ladder. Annerley lost 4-0 to Mitchelton last time out but that can be ignored because it really isn’t too bad an outcome. If they are to make a run towards the Grand Final, beating Capalaba would be a statement of intent. They have a chance but they’ll need luck on their side and good form on the day. The Bulldogs should win but this could be the unexpected speed-bump. The longer Annerley hang on to 0-0, the more chance they have. Prediction: 1-1 draw Peninsula Power vs The Gap Saturday 5pm at AJ Kelly Field Peninsula Power lost last weekend to Logan Lightning but everything is over-shadowed by their win over Mitchelton in the Elaine Watson Cup during the week. What a result, the biggest of the season by a mile. If nothing else, it proves they can win the Grand Final. How they move forward is vital. The Gap have been disappointing but it’s aways difficult being the second team in a club with their “first” team, of course, being in the Women's NPL. It’s fair enough to say that their position on the table doesn’t reflect some of the good performances they have produced. When things are bad though, it’s difficult to turn it around. Tactically these two teams should cancel each other out suggesting a draw could be on the cards. Power slight favourites though. Prediction: 1-1 draw Logan Lightning vs Virginia United Saturday 6pm at Cornubia Park Logan Lightning grabbed another impressive result last weekend and coupled with their election to the Women's NPL is a fine representation of how far they have come since the City Cup win back in 2014 before they moved into the Mt Franklin Women’s Premier League. Perhaps they will level out at some time but it’s unlikely to be in this game. Virginia United might just turn out to be the biggest benefactors of the Women's NPL announcement. They are a go-ahead club with a solid women’s base in an accessible region. But that’s all for the future. Right now they need to get their defence back in order and find some belief. They are good enough. A team in form against a team out of form. But form can be fleeting. Virginia are definitely a better side than their recent form. Prediction: 2-2 draw Pine Hills vs Souths United Saturday 7pm at James Drysdale Reserve Pine Hills have every reason to be aggrieved about their omission from the Women's NPL because they have become a club where the ladies are considered the first team. And that’s unique. Once upon a time that was also The Gap and Redlands. Every neutral supporter will be hoping they make the Grand Final. Souths United are still Souths United, and they suffer from the second team at a club thing more than any other. Tough season is an understatement. Anyone who believes the improbable will never happen can only look to the Mustangs loss in the Cup. They could have a mental edge after the week’s events. It’s impossible to tip Souths United but hopefully this won’t be a blow-out. Hills could be fired up or they could be off their game. Prediction: Hills 3-2
