Gatton tests 'flat' USQ FC

Flat USQ FC outfit come good to secure win over Gatton Redbacks

TOUGH BATTLE: Gatton's Adam Jackwitz (left) and USQ's Alex Dyball compete for the ball. Picture: Paul Smith

FOOTBALL: USQ FC looked flat against Gatton Redbacks - for large periods of the game they were off the pace and lacked a cutting edge.

However, the Toowoomba Football League leaders did enough to secure a 2-1 win at the weekend.

Taking advantage of USQ's poor start, Gatton opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Austin Leonard and could've extended their lead if not for USQ's Matt Eilers.

The USQ goalkeeper produced another commanding performance to keep his side in the game.

"Without Matt in goal we probably would've been five or six down by the end of the first half,” USQ captain Ashley Freirer said.

"He's a one of kind.”

Trailing 1-0 at the break, USQ lifted their intensity in the second half before a 10-minute period turned the game on its head.

With his side steadily working their way back into the match - Freirer eventually had his team back on level terms.

The skipper's deflected shot beat Gatton keeper Daniel Cronin in the 65th minute and 10 minutes later USQ had the lead.

Bought on in the 71st minute, USQ's Phox Smith certainly left his mark on the game.

Smith scored the winner in the 76th minute before being shown a straight red card in the 79th.

USQ weathered a late storm before holding on for a win.

"When the final whistle went we were stoked,” Frierer said.

"The three points are very vital - it puts us 15 points clear with five or six games to go.

"It's never easy against them (Gatton) so to be 1-0 down at halftime and get back for the win is a good result.

"We got a bit of revving at halftime - we were very poor - but we always know we're going to fight to the very end.”

Originally published as Gatton tests 'flat' USQ FC