Redbacks three of the trot

The United Redbacks scored a gritty 2-1 over Willowburn leaders of the Toowoomba Premier League.

By Casey O'Connor

The Stanthorpe United players are relishing the opportunity to play in the Toowoomba Football competition. After their third win on the trot last Saturday night they have sit in fourth spot on the ladder. The Redbacks good form continued with an unexpected two-one victory over Football Toowoomba Premier League leaders Willowburn.

The Redbacks played controlled entertaining football in the cold and windy conditions. They pressured the Willowburn keeper early when Ben Rametta and Aiden Fox had opportunities to score. Willowburn showed why they have been the number one side in Toowoomba for so long putting sustained pressure on the Redbacks defence. To their credit, Lanza, Hitchener, Halford and Crestani held firm. Thirty minutes into the game, Simon Mascadri found the back of the net from 20 metres out to give United a one – nil lead which they held at the halftime break.

In the early stages of the second half, United pushed for another goal. Jared Hitchener overlapped the Willowburn defence down the right flank and was brought down by the Willowburn fullback. The referee’s assistant rightly signalled a penalty, despite the Willowburn protests. Matt Purcell stepped up and put the ball away for a two-nil United lead. Willowburn were stirred into action and they applied pressure to the tiring Redback’s defence. Kevin Doyle was found unmarked at the far post and put the ball into the back of the net to put the home side on the scoresheet. The score was two-one with 20 minutes to play.

United continued to work hard in defence, keeping the Willowburn attack at bay to finished strongly scoring a well-deserved two-one victory.

The entire United team worked hard and played well all game, however the performance of Aiden Halford stood out. Halford had a very solid defensive game. Hunter Murphy also played one of his best games of the year.

United play Highfields in another away game on Saturday evening at Highfields home ground.