Minor Semi Final
Terrigal 2 – 1 Berkeley Vale
The reigning Premiers will continue to defend their crown after surviving a late scare to end Berkley Vale’s season as Terrigal book their spot in the Preliminary Final against rivals Southern & Ettalong.
Terrigal started the game extremely strongly as the boys in orange seemed very confident out on the Pluim Park surface.
Terrigal were able to get good possession in the first half and really dictate the play. After having an earlier goal disallowed for a very tight offside, Terrigal finally went ahead after a good finish from Aidan Bastick.
“I was really happy going into the half-time break believing we were unlucky not to go further ahead,” stated Pete Edwards.
The second half saw Berkeley Vale change into a much more aggressive and attacking shape. This seemed to make the game feel a lot more transitional for Terrigal as they looked to quickly counter in behind their wing-backs.
Terrigal managed to exploit this space well, having a number of good chances to go further ahead. They finally managed to score a much-needed second goal after Daniel Bird was played through on goal only to be tripped by their goalkeeper and his side was awarded a penalty.
Captain Jai McNamara stepped up to fire confidently past the Berkeley #1 to double the O’lads lead and give them a little breathing room.
As the second half moved closer to full time we seemed to be managing the game quite well until a slight error in defence saw Berkeley get in behind the Terrigal defence and cross to a free Jake Brownlow coming in from the wing to wonderfully curl a shot into the top corner.
The last ten minutes was a tense battle with chances at both ends, but Pete’s side managed to see the game out and book a spot in next week’s final against Southern Ettalong.
A satisfied Pete commented on the fixture post-match. “Overall, I was really pleased with how we played. The boys seemed to enjoy the match and play with the freedom a good surface like Pluim allows but also remained focused on our gameplan.”
Pete also commended the opposition for a terrific year. “I want to congratulate Andre and the whole Berkeley Vale team on a really positive season. They have played some really good football this year and this final was another great example of this.”
“For us, we will just keep our heads focused and approach it one game at a time, but like the players, I’m looking forward to getting back out to Pluim Park next week and showcasing our football.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
Major Semi Final
Killarney 1 (3) – 1 (1) Southern & Ettalong
Sunday’s Major Semi-Final presented the two most consistent teams of the 2023 MPL season and it played out exactly that way as neither team was able to produce a winner inside 120 minutes.
On a cool evening and a fantastic playing surface, the conditions were set for a quality football game. Right from the opening whistle, it was apparent the crowd was set for a fast-enthralling encounter.
The first 15 minutes saw both teams moving the ball quickly in possession looking for weaknesses in each defensive lines. It was the Lions who enjoyed many half chances in and around the Terrier’s 18-yard box which saw the resilient Killarney defensive extinguish multiple attacking raids.
Whilst territorially SEUFC took the game to Killarney it was the Terriers that reminded the Lions of their quality and speed to attack in transition and kept the Lions defence on their toes.
Both teams headed to the sheds at half time knowing there was a lot of football left in this game. The second half saw the Terriers come out and start to enjoy more possession with their young and mobile midfield providing more ball to their forward line and creating a number of half chances.
Both defensive teams were looking rock solid, until veteran striker the almighty Keith Gumbs got in behind the defensive line and fired his shot across the goals into the side netting, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead.
It took only two minutes for Killarney to square the game up when some swift ball moment and a cross into the six-yard box saw Killarney’s Jayden Radford react the quickest and dink the ball over the advancing Lions keeper to square the game up at 1-1.
Both teams went on the attack only to be denied time and time again by two resolute defensive lines.
Full time was blown and both teams were locked in at 1-1, both coaches went to their benches for fresh legs and the game continued in the same vein at a fast and frantic pace.
It was the Terriers in the second half of extra time that found a rare opportunity to close the game out only to see the Lions keeper Alex Wardle with strong hands and a scrambling defensive line to keep the contest level.
Likewise in the dying minutes, it was the Lion’s opportunity to take the game only to find the Terriers Keeper Declan Drake make a great double save firstly from Theo Forsberg and then secondly from James Steer.
On to penalties and it was Killarney Declan Drake who was the hero for his side, denying three out of Southern’s four penalty attempts to advance the Terriers into their seventh straight Grand Final.
“I was very pleased with our defensive performance on the day with everyone doing their job well. Still, a bit to do when we have the ball, as we gave it away a bit easily, but that as well is due to Southern working hard to deny us time and space,” stated Killarney’s Chris Ackerley.
Ackerley also added, “Pleased for the week off as the boys are extremely tired after 120 minutes of football.”
Despite pulling up short, Dale was extremely happy with the performance from his side. “Very proud of the effort my boys put into tonight. Statistically Sunday’s game stats were very good.”
“We take some promising data away and will work on a few key areas and certainly are looking forward to the challenge of reversing last year’s final result against Terrigal.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
Division 1
Preliminary Final Results –
