Stanthorpe United ready for grand final clash with Willowburn FC

Stanthorpe United have made their mark in the TFL – but there’s one box unticked

IN CONTROL: Stanthorpe United’s Jordan Lanza closes down his Willowburn opponent. PHOTO: Kevin Farmer

FOOTBALL: There’s been a subtle but significant change in Stanthorpe this season.

The team almost didn’t make it into the TFL competition – club rivalries run deep near the border.

But after overcoming some early hurdles the side made their mark – finishing second and booking their place in the grand final at the first try.

“There were a few hurdles in the early days, we almost didn’t have a team,” Stanthorpe United’s Steve Mcevoy said.

“The rivalries run pretty deep in Stanthorpe, we talked about everything from changing the name to buying new jerseys.

“We got past all that though and have players from three of the six clubs.

“Now we’re not so much Stanthorpe United we’re more United Stanthorpe. The whole community is behind us, even people who haven’t followed football in the past.”

Up against Willowburn on Sunday, Mcevoy said it will be business as usual.

“We’ve lost our starting goalkeeper to a red card in the first semi-final and have a few injuries,” Mcevoy said.

“But that’s no excuse – we’re ready for the game.

“We’ve played Willowburn a few times in the last few weeks so we have a good gauge of them.

“Our focus though is on us.

“We may adjust our shape a little or make a few tweaks but they’ll only be relevant to the game situation.”

GAME DAY: Sunday, November 15 – Clive Berghofer Stadium, 3pm.

Originally published as Stanthorpe United ready for grand final clash with Willowburn FC