Stockland Park host the top-of-the-table clash between Sunshine Coast FC and Redlands City Devils, while Olympic FC travel north to play NQ Razorbacks in a game that could define their season. Whitsunday Miners take on Queensland Academy of Sport at home, Logan United host Brisbane Strikers while Bundaberg Spirit will try to do the double over Capricorn Cougars this season when they travel to Rockhampton.

Whitsunday Miners and Queensland Academy of Sport both came off disappointing losses last weekend, and will both be aiming to secure their fourth wins of the season. QAS will particularly be keen to get on the scoresheet after just one goal in their last three games, while keeping an eye on Miners’ striker Michael van Moolenbroek who scored two last weekend against Brisbane Strikers on his return from injury.

Bundaberg Spirit welcome back midfielder Laurie Stephenson from suspension in their quest for a second win over Capricorn Cougars this season. The Spirit hasn’t won since Round 8 and haven’t scored a goal since 24 May. Cougars, on the other hand, have netted five in their last two outings and will be looking for revenge after Spirit’s 2-0 win back in Round 3.

Sunshine Coast FC take on Redlands City Devils, in what is an important game for both sides. If Sunshine Coast FC win, their lead at the top of the table could be extended to nine points but if the Devils win, the gap would be reduced to just three. Sunshine Coast FC’s Managing Director Noel Woodall said, “It should be an outstanding game with one playing two. It could be the make or break game for either team in the run up to the minor premiership”. Redlands will keep close tabs on Shaun Blackman, the in-form striker having scored 15 goals in just twelve games this campaign.

In the weekend’s other season-defining encounter, NQ Razorbacks host Olympic FC in the fight for the fourth and last finals spot on the QSL table. A win for the Razorbacks will see a six point gap between fourth and fifth spot, while a Olympic victory would see the sides equal on points. Olympic FC spokesman, Rob Battle said before the clash: “the team is as good as it has been as all season, we are in good form and good spirits. We are confident if we can get in the top four, we can win the competition”. While Olympic may be in the form of their season, NQ Razorbacks have scored 20 goals in their last four outings alone.

The last game of the round sees Brisbane Strikers make the short trip south to play Logan United. The addition of Danny Gecic to the Logan squad have given them a boost and they have seen some impressive results recently, a 1-1 win with Redlands and a 3-2 victory over Whitsunday Miners before a 5-0 loss to table toppers Sunshine Coast last weekend. Both teams have been training well all week ahead of what should be an exciting game.

Words & Picture - Michelle Tobin

QSL ROUND 14

Whitsunday Miners Vs Queensland Academy of Sport, Sat 5th Jul - 7:00pm, Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay

Capricorn Cougars Vs Bundaberg Spirit, Sat 5th Jul - 7:00pm, Jardine Park, Rockhampton

Sunshine Coast FC Vs Redlands City Devils, Sun 6th Jul - 2:30pm, Stockland Park, Kawana

NQ Razorbacks Vs Olympic FC, Sun 6th Jul - 3:00pm, Townsville Sports Reserve

Logan United FC Vs Brisbane Strikers FC, Sun 6th Jul - 3:00pm, Clem Jones Fields, Slacks Creek