The Spirit is also without hardworking defender Sam Simpson who had to withdraw from the squad. The Academy will be keen to do the double over the Bundaberg side, having beaten them 2-1 earlier in the season thanks to a volley from striker Matt Thurtell, and a penalty from Daniel Bowles who has since left to take up a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport.

The top of the table clash between second and third placed NQ Razorbacks and Brisbane Strikers may prove to be very important come season end. Razorbacks are ahead by just one point at the moment, but Strikers have a game in hand after their Round 10 fixture against Sunshine Coast FC was washed out. Both teams recorded wins last week, and the clash is sure to be evenly matched in all areas of the park. Strikers will rest Jeromy Harris for injury concerns, while the Razorbacks welcome back the physical presence of Aaron Walker after suspension.

Between the Whitsunday Miners and Redlands City Devils last round, the two sides conceded 10 goals, five apiece against NQ Razorbacks and Olympic FC respectively. Devils will want to get their season back on track – the past two weekend has seen them drop from second to fourth spot. Devils’ Matt Hill is suspended but they welcome back Mark Alaru after having six weeks off. Miners will be missing captain Daniel Scotton as well as Troy Mundy and Mitchell Wallace, all suspended.

Stockland Park will play host to the clash between the highflying Sunshine Coast FC and in-form Olympic FC. George Cowie’s men have the league’s top goalscorer, Shaun Blackman, back after he missed last weekend’s harder than expected game against the Capricorn Cougars, but are missing regular first team players Leon Dwyer and Beau Hodge to injury. Sunshine Coast FC will be on the lookout for Olympic’s Shane Coffey who has scored an impressive eight goals in just six games after making his debut in Round 10 against the Miners.

Logan’s first home victory of the season last weekend have got them in high spirits travelling north to Rockhampton to play the Capricorn Cougars. A win for Logan would be a big step in ensuring they avoid the wooden spoon in the QSL’s inaugural season after a revival in recent weeks. Their last five games has seen them record just one loss, two credible draws against top four opposition and two fiercely fought out draws. Cougars will be without Tristan Fraser after he was sent off last weekend, while Daniel Cox, Adam Wratten and Clayton Rowland are all struggling with injuries.

Word: Michelle Tobin

Picture: Matthew Boyd

QSL ROUND 16

Queensland Academy of Sport Vs Bundaberg Spirit, Sat 19th Jul - 6:00pm, Clem Jones Fields, Slacks Creek

Brisbane Strikers FC Vs NQ Razorbacks, Sat 19th Jul - 7:00pm, Perry Park, Albion, Brisbane

Whitsunday Miners Vs Redlands City Devils, Sun 20th Jul - 2:00pm, Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay

Sunshine Coast FC Vs Olympic FC, Sun 20th Jul - 2:30pm, Stockland Park, Kawana

Capricorn Cougars Vs Logan United FC, Sun 20th Jul - 3:00pm, Jardine Park, Rockhampton