The lights at McKellar Park are set to turn on for night-time action for the first time in twelve months when Canberra United flick the switch ahead of their 'Hersday' night football clash.
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United will host two evening matches at McKellar Park over the 2019-20 W-League season, despite complaints from nearby residents last year.
The lights at McKellar Park will be turned on for night-time action for the first time in 12 months when Canberra United flick the switch ahead of their 'Hersday' night football clash.
United will host two evening matches at McKellar Park this season , despite nearby residents complaining about the lights which were used for games last year.
Portable lights have been brought to the stadium for Canberra United's round four clash against Brisbane Roar to meet the lighting standards of the league's broadcasters.
Electricians had worked on re-positioning the lights after the complaints concerns about increased luminosity and light spillage following United's draw against Brisbane last December.
The disgruntled residents prompted an investigation by the ACT government, which led to the venue refusing to host night-time fixtures or training sessions. One match was abandoned when it ran overtime because officials were not allowed to turn on the lights.
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The Belconnen Soccer Club, which own the stadium, reached a solution with Capital Football and government for the lights to be used for both night-time W-League and NPL fixtures.
More work was done on Wednesday to prepare the lights for the W-League clash and Capital Football boss Phil Brown says the return of Thursday night football is beneficial to the community.
"We've been working with the ACT government and Belconnen Soccer Club, who have both been excellent in their support for the match to be played under lights," Brown said.
"We're looking forward to getting back on there and seeing the stadium full of Canberra United supporters.
"It's really good [to have these night time matches again]. It helps us promote the sport and provide further opportunities for people to get out and be part of the community during the week, not just the weekends."
American striker Katie Stengel is set to return from an ankle injury after being named in coach Heather Garriock's 21-strong squad to face Brisbane.
Stengel's return will bolster Canberra's forward stocks, while Brisbane boasts the likes of Australian stars, Hayley Raso, Indiah-Paige Riley and Tameka Yallop up front.
"[Our defense] to be vitally important, especially with the quality they've got upfront and experience through the midfield. We have to be at our best," Garriock said.
"Brisbane is exceptional, especially with some of the individual flair they've got. They're speedy up front with Raso and Riley up top. Then you've got Tameka Yallop, who's the best ten in the nation.
"Her third man runs is what we need to watch out for as well."
United has linked up with the Salvation Army in a toy drive for the round four clash, with fans being encouraged to donate presents under a tree at the venue for those in need.
W-LEAGUE ROUND FOUR
Thursday: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar At McKellar Park, 7.30pm
Canberra United squad: 1.Annalee Grove (gk), 2.Laura Hughes, 3.Kaleigh Kurtz, 5.Nikola Orgill, 6.Emma Stanbury, 7.Simone Charley, 8.Olivia Price, 9.Katie Stengel, 10.Camila Pereira, 11.Elise Thorsnes, 12.Hayley Taylor-Young 15.Ashlie Crofts, 16.Karly Roestbakken (c), 18.Taren King, 19.Leena Khamis, 20.Shamiran Khamis (gk), 21.Rebekah Horsey *two to be omitted*