Willowburn ready for showdown with Stanthorpe United

They have the minor premiership now Willowburn want to add the grand final trophy to their cabinet

Willowburn captain Beau Partridge (left) takes on the Gatton defence. PHOTO: Kevin Farmer

FOOTBALL: Gritty is the most apt way to describe Willowburn’s 2020 campaign.

While the current squad lacks the polish and experience of last year’s premiership winners, they proved to be no easy beats with a win in the last round securing them the minor premiership.

The side also finished with the best goal difference in the competition and scored the second most goals.

The clearest example of their grit however is their path to the final.

After a 1-0 loss to Stanthorpe United in week one of the finals Willowburn bounced back with a 2-1 win over Gatton.

Willowburn were forced to dig in for large portions of the match after midfielder Alastair McGorm was dismissed in the 15th minute of the game.

“We really held in there against Gatton,” Willowburn captain Beau Partridge said.

“The boys fought hard to defend, particularly late in the game when Gatton were pushing really hard.

“This year’s team might not have the same level of experience as last year’s but we’ve fought hard all year.

“Our young fellas have plenty of fight in them which is great.

“Grit has been a big part of our success.

“The boys have played and fought hard for each other all season.”

Heading into Sunday’s final Partridge said his team is “fighting fit” despite the rigours of the last two weeks.

“I think the win against Gatton helped build our confidence,” Partridge said.

“Stanthorpe are a good side, they play a physical but fair game, so we’re going to need to show the grit we’ve showed all year.

“We have to be willing to get in there, put our bodies on the line and make those important tackles.

“That’s going to be the difference in the game, I wouldn’t be surprised if it went to extra time,”

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

Originally published as Willowburn ready for showdown with Stanthorpe United