Title on line in epic tie
A GIFT from the fixture gods will pit Coast League One championship hopefuls Robina City and Southport against one another in winner-takesall final-round encounter at Robina Common tonight.
Just two points separate ladder-leading City from the Warriors ahead of the 6pm battle, with the Rabbits given a second chance to secure the title – and automatic promotion – after blowing last weekend’s opportunity in a 2-1 loss to Musgrave.
If Southport lose and Musgrave prevail away to fifthplaced Kingscliff at 5pm today, the Mustangs will jump to second and earn a promotion playoff spot.
Southport (67 goals) boast the league’s best attack in 2019, while Robina have conceded just 10 goals. “It’s no secret that we pride ourselves on not conceding,” Rabbits coach Nathan Mulhearn said.
“In 16 matches we’ve only conceded in 10. This has a lot to do with the trust in each other that our players have and the desperation they show.
“Add to that Winnie Tukariri in goal, who has been an absolute standout for us. But that only forms half of the equation, we do have strike weapons going forward and have the league’s second highest scorer in Trent Barwick.
“So, we believe that we have what it takes.”
Southport will look to the strike force of Elliot Middleton, Luke Roiter and Golden Boot elect Morgan Saunders to poke holes through the Robina brick wall, but Mulhearn said his troops were prepared for the onslaught.
‘There is no doubting that Morgan can play at a level or two above this league. He is talented, but there are other players in their side that can hurt you as well,” he said.
“Luke and Elliot are good players and Ross Panes always makes it difficult from midfield. We think we have the same quality as them and will match them.
“We will be looking for our midfield of Grant Wernerson, Aaron Bull and young Max Lines to get on top of them.
“When we looked at the fixture list at the beginning of the year we thought it may come down to this.”
In the other fixture, Pacific Pines host Broadbeach at 6pm.