By Stephanie Muir

smuir@dailyadvertise r.com.au

FOOTBALL Wagga minor premier Henwood Park can rebound from its shock loss to Wagga United in the major semi-final at Rawlings Park, coach Andrew Mason declared yesterday.

Henwood Park was stunned 3-1 by second-placed Wagga United and is now forced to contest the preliminary final against Tolland at Burns Park at Junee on Sunday.

Mason is hoping the loss does not signal a mirror image of Wagga United's crushing end to last year's season.

"Last year we had the reverse situation, we beat Wagga United in the semi and then Cootamundra knocked them out in the preliminary final," Mason said.

Mason warned his team not to let their thoughts linger on the disappointing loss to Wagga United.

"I spoke to the boys and told them we will need to put this behind us and concentrate on getting through on the weekend," he said.

Mason said the team had been desperate for the win to hand themselves a refreshing and rejuvenating break ahead of the grand final.

"It is a bit disappointing; I think all the boys really wanted to win so we got a bit of a break, " he said.

Mason said while the minor premier was favourite heading into the semi-final, Henwood Park had been accordingly wary of the threat posed by Wagga United.

"Wagga United beat us last time we met in the club round," he said.

Mason admitted holes in the Henwood line-up had contributed to Wagga United's success in attaining the first grand final ticket.

"We actually had a couple of guys out, one was injured in the last club round, and we had another suspended for two weeks," he said.

"If we make the grand final, our suspended player will be back for us."

Mason said Wagga United's first goal was a rare, freak shot that left teammates and opposition alike shaking their head in disbelief.

"I think looking at the game; Wagga United's first goal was just one of those goals that you can do nothing about," he said.