Dolphins keen to shake up Comets

FOOTBALL STRATFORD Dolphins will head Southside tomorrow night in a bid to upset the ladder-leading Comets in the FNQ Football premier men’s competition.

The Dolphins are third on the table and unlikely to challenge for top spot with four rounds remaining, but can still shape the battle for the minor premiership.

Stratford were beaten 5-0 by Marlin Coast last week and will be keen to bounce back.

Coach Joe Rusch said the Dolphins had been struggling with injuries and illness, but should be more competitive.

“The flu went through the side and a few people missed last week, including myself,” he said. “But I was told that we were in the game until they got a couple of soft goals. Then we had a send-off and that made things hard.”

Rusch will return to the line-up against Southside and hopes star veteran midfielder Jamie Gosling can play a role.

“He’s hardly played this year due to injury, but he might play off the bench this Saturday.”

Southside go into the clash on the back of a 2-0 win against Edge Hill and must win to hold off the Rangers, who are two points behind the Comets on the ladder.

In the other games, Mareeba United host Marlin Coast tomorrow night, while Edge Hill face Innisfail United on Sunday. Leichhardt have a bye.

In the premier women’s competition, Edge Hill will look to maintain their unbeaten run against Innisfail on Sunday. JCU Strikers play Leichhardt tonight, while Southside and Stratford play tomorrow afternoon.