Rovers defy double setback
FOOTBALL: Being reduced to just nine men wasn’t enough to stop Rockville coming away with one of their most hardearned points of the season.
In a clash with ladder leaders West Wanderers at Captain Cook Reserve, Rockville overcame two red cards to grind out a 2-all draw.
Their first setback came in the 17th minute with Esmaeel Uzbek sent from the field, followed by Gustavo Ivanovo Dos Reid receiving his orders in the 70th minute.
Despite this, the Rovers took the lead as Maysar Qaso scored his second of the game just 11 minutes from time.
A late strike from Thomas Fowler ensured the points would be split, but Rockville coach Ramiz Hadzich said despite the disappointment in the referee for the decisions, he was proud of the efforts of his side.
“Our boys didn’t give up, that’s the main thing,” he said.
“Wanderers are at the top of the table and they couldn’t beat us. We played with a lot of heart and almost came away with the three points.
“We didn’t change anything (from the first send off). We knew we had to score goals if we wanted to get anything from the game.
“Everyone stood up. Our bench was particularly important for us, as was Qaso scoring both of our goals. He provided a lot of energy playing a solo role up front.
“It’s a close tournament with at least five or six teams chasing the top four. Every week is important, it doesn’t matter who you play.”
In other matches, Willowburn moved to the top of the table following a 4-3 defeat of St Albans.
It was a high-scoring affair at Commonwealth Oval, where St Albans came back from 3-1 down after an hour of play to tie things up with backto-back goals within minutes.
But it was Connor Wockner who proved the difference, with his 69th minute strike giving him a double and the Magpies the win.
WILLOWBURN CONTINUES HOT STREAK
In the premier ladies division, Willowburn continues to set the pace after a big 8-0 defeat of West Wanderers.
Nina Grant, Hayley Gray and Kiama Gray all scored doubles as the Magpies stretched their winning run to eight games.
The logjam of teams near the top of the table continued for another week, with one point separating Rockville Rovers, South Toowoomba and Highfields.
All three teams won their respective fixtures at the weekend as the race for the President’s Cup heats up.
TFL RESULTS
MEN: Stanthorpe 0-0 Warwick, Willowburn 4-3 St Albans, Gatton 7-1 Highfields, Rockville 2-2 West Wanderers WOMEN: Willowburn 8-0 West Wanderers, USQ 4-2 Warwick, South Toowoomba 4-1 Gatton, Rovers 3-0 Rubies, Chinchilla 0-3 Highfields