We have waited 147 days for the last full weekend of ASNGCPL action but the wait is finally over. Round 3 of the Premier League is set to begin with some cracking games in store throughout the league. Here is a small preview of this weekend’s fixtures.
Surfers vs Broadbeach- Saturday 3:00pm @ Lex Bell Oval
Apollo will be looking to build on their round one victory when they host the Dolphins at Lex Bell Oval in the early kick off. Head Coach Alex Morrison will be delighted to have not lost any key personnel amongst his squad, rather making some tidy additions to an already healthy sized squad.
Meanwhile at the Dolphins life without Lee Vernon and the core group of players who took them to glory for the most part of the last decade hasn’t been the best of starts, but they will be looking to turn that around sooner rather than later under their coach Andrew Robinson.
Player to Watch- Koki Miyasaka (Surfers)
Robina vs Southport- Saturday 4:00pm @ Robina Common
The two newest Premier League clubs will do battle in the middle fixture tomorrow afternoon when the Warriors travel to the Rabbits. Both sides have registered points already in this campaign and will be looking to take the maximum out of this clash. Robina will hope that their new additions can gel as quickly as possible after losing some key pieces as a result of the COVID-19 break.
There is no update on the status of Warriors talisman Morgan Saunders as it has been suggested that the forward underwent a minor procedure in recent weeks. Rob Semple will be hopeful that if his forward isn’t available for this match that he comes back into the picture as soon as possible for his side.
Player to Watch- Curtis Stollery (Robina)
Palm Beach vs Coomera- Saturday 6:00pm @ Duncan McKenna Field
Coomera will be looking to build off their opening two performances when they take on Palm Beach in the late Saturday evening kick off. Both sides know that with the shortened season every game counts and that maximum points here is a crucial stepping stone towards their goals for 2020.
Palm Beach have welcomed some additions into their squad during the break, as well as their captain Dan Smith coming back from his ankle break available for this clash. Brett Budwee will know that it will all be about momentum and putting together a full 90 minutes for his side.
The Colts will face the Sharks without key midfielder Will Asante who was shown a second yellow in their win over Burleigh. With the quality of players going forward, Macdonald will know if they can keep it tight at the back his side will put themselves in great position for a win.
Player to Watch- Ferdinand Annor (Coomera)
Nerang vs Burleigh- Sunday 3:00pm @ Bob Jeffrey Field
The champions travel to Nerang eager to put a win on the board in 2020 after their loss to Coomera last weekend. Both sides are yet to register a victory in 2020, with the Eagles yet to play after the recommencement of the season.
Lee Vernon will be forced into a squad reshuffle after the loss of some players through the break as well as suspensions putting his starting side into question. The Eagles still possess consistent goal scorer Shaun Robinson and Luke Marsh in their lineup and will always fancy themselves to get goals against any opposition.
The Bulldogs will know nothing but 3 points will put themselves in a tight situation to go back-to-back in 2020 with the shortened season. Phelan will take positives into this clash after his side showed fight last week after being 4-1 down.
Expect a lot of open, attacking football but tired legs towards the back end of the match.
Player to Watch- Luke Marsh (Nerang)