Willowburn beat rivals Highfields to advance to TFL grand final

FOOTBALL: Willowburn and Highfields wrote another chapter in their growing TFL rivalry at the weekend.

Gatton’s Jayden Staatz celebrates his goal against Rockville at the weekend.

With a place in the Premier Women’s grand final on the line, Willowburn fought gamely to secure a 1-0 win.

Willowburn dominated the first half, with a number of chances falling Hayley Gray’s way, but the sides went into the break at 0-0.

Willowburn started the second half the way they finished the first and were the first to score.

Captain Kiama Gray’s goal from the penalty spot midway through the second half sparked a frantic period of play.

Pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Highfields peppered the Willowburn backline with barrage of long balls from their midfield.

Gray played a key role in helping her side keep a clean sheet – marshalling her defence well and moping up any loose balls.

After watching his team battle gamely against a determined opposition, Willowburn coach Matt Gatty praised his team’s spirit.

“We mixed things up a little bit with a formation change before the game,” he said.

“The first 10-15 minutes was us getting used to that but they adapted really well.

“Particularly in the first half we dominated possession and created plenty of chances.

“Then in the second half we extended the fight – it’s always difficult against Highfields, they’re a good team.

“It (the game) is exactly what you expect of a final, a really tense clash.

“Thankfully we got the goal and held on for the win.”

Originally published as Willowburn beat rivals Highfields to advance to TFL grand final