Premiers Willowburn wary of rampant Gatton Redbacks

FOOTBALL: There’s no denying defending premiers Willowburn would prefer to be on the sidelines this weekend. However, a 1-0 loss to Stanthorpe United last weekend means the Magpies face an in form Gatton Redbacks on Sunday with a place in the grand final on offer.

Willowburn’s Damien Saunders (left) challenges for the ball during the TFL Premier Men’s major semi-final. Stanthorpe United won the match 1-0.

“We were a little bit down after the loss,” Willowburn Premier Men’s coach Jamie Mcmillan said.

“We’ve moved on pretty quickly though. We had a good chat earlier this week and exposed a few home truths for the boys.

“After beating them (Stanthorpe) the week before to win the minor premiership we knew they’d show determination to square the ledger.

“They’re a good side and unfortunately we didn’t quite step up – I think the missed penalty flattened us a bit.”

Gatton head into the knockout semi-final full of confidence after a 5-2 win over Rockville Rovers.

Despite trailing to a Gustavo Ivanovo Dos Reid goal in the 18th minute, Gatton finished with a wet sail scoring the next five goals.

Nothing has separated Willowburn and Gatton this season and Mcmillan is expecting a drawn out affair.

“Gatton has been great this season,” Mcmillan said.

“We’ve drawn our two games this year, the last one was 0-0.

“We need to be ready to play out the full 90 minutes; I think it’s going to be a really tight one.

“If we want to go back-to-back it’s going to take an almighty effort and it starts this weekend.”

GAME DAY: Willowburn vs Gatton. Sunday November 8, 3pm, West Wanderers

Originally published as Premiers Willowburn wary of rampant Gatton Redbacks