Coach's call to fans with Power so close to state crown

Published 5:00pm 7 October 2021

Words by Nick Crockford

Peninsula Power is just one win from retaining the greatest prize in Queensland football – the NPL Qld Premiership.

It could come on Friday night at AJ Kelly Park (kick off 7.45pm) when Easts are the visitors.

And coach Aaron Philp has asked all Power fans “come along and cheer the boys” as they chase a slice of history.

Only Brisbane Strikers (2016, 2017) and Lions (2018, 2019) have retained the NPL Qld title. Power is on the cusp of joining them.

Flashback: Power celebrate winning the Premiership 12 months ago.

Crucial win

A 4-0 win over Magpies Crusaders took Power five points clear of second-placed Brisbane Roar Youth, the only team which can overtake them.

But, three points against Easts on Friday will lift Power to 59 points, two more than the maximum Roar can finish with.

It also illustrates the importance of Power’s 2-1 victory over Roar at AJ Kelly Park at the end of last month.

An 80th-minute goal from Hayden McHenery, at the time his second of the season and second against Roar, proved decisive.

Massive game

“That was a massive game for us,” coach Aaron Philp said, “that really put us in a good position to finish the season.

“We used a lot of energy in that game and I think is showed against Gold Coast United (3-3 draw three days later). That and we have a lot of injuries.”

Central defenders Luke Plummer and Michael McGowan missed Saturday’s game. Trent McEvoy was back after a broken leg but is working his way to full fitness.

“I don’t believe something is over until it is actually over,” Philp said, “but we are creating a lot of chances and playing well.

Andy Pengelly is leading the race for the NPL Qld Gold Boot. Picture Kylie Wells

Get job done

“I know Moreton Bay beat Easts (5-2) on Saturday, but Easts will be a tough game for us. Hopefully we can get the job done.”

Power still have a game in hand over Brisbane Roar, which will be played on Saturday week when Gold Coast United make the trip to AJ Kelly Park.

Andy Pengelly is also seven goals clear of Lions Max Mikkola in the race for the NPL Qld Golden Boot award. Pengelly has scored five in his last three games to take his tally to 27. Mikkola is on 20.

Mick Gallo has joined Peninsula Power as head coach of the club’s Under 23 women’s team for the 2022 season. Gallo joins from The Gap where he coached the club’s NPLW side this year.