MINOR SEMI FINAL
Terrigal 2 – 1 Southern Ettalong
It was another epic battle between Terrigal and Southern Ettalong this past Saturday night with the game not being decided until a dramatic injury-time winner in the final minute of extra time settled this closely contested affair at Pluim Park.
Terrigal did start the brighter of the two sides with their wingers Mark Partridge and Ben Flakus causing problems to the Southern fullbacks and with Stu Adams and Daniel Bird controlling the midfield it looked like it would only be a matter of time before Terrigal would break the deadlock, but Matt Page and Todd Balneaves would stand tall and keep the scoreline goalless at half time. Southern showed it would be tough to break them down with tenacious and at times scrambling defence. Southern’s best chance of the first half was a Keith Gumbs header cleared off the line to keep the score level.
Terrigal again came out the stronger side at the start of the second period and ten minutes in a delightful ball behind Southern’s back four by winger Mark Partridge was too much for the Southern defender who was under pressure and steered the ball into the back of his own net to give the opposition the advantage. After going a goal down, the Lions started to work their way into the game with all four substitutes immediately making an impression on the game. Terrigal did have further chances to make it 2-0, the best falling to Ben Flakus whose header failed to find the target, while at the other end Craig James produced a quality save from a Jacob Lepre freekick that was heading into the top corner. It looked like Terrigal would hold out for the win, but Southern substitute James Steer picked up a cleared ball and combined with striker Keith Gumbs twice as they broke down the left, Steer again crossed to Gumbs who held the ball up and laid a pass into the path of Jacob Lepre who was charging down the right to finish first time into the corner of Terrigal’s net to level at 1-1 to see the game head to extra time.
The equalising goal sprung Southern to life in the extra-time period with both sides creating space and chances throughout the first 15 minutes. The Terrigal goalkeeper Craig James was in fantastic form, denying a Charlie Polson volley and also tipping a Jack Wilson strike onto the bar as the game looked to be heading to penalties with little time left on the scoreboard. However, one last Terrigal attack saw the O’lads work their way down the left flank and another Mark Partridge cross was controlled with some aplomb by Tyson Cosgrove who spun his defender and poked the ball home to send the players and supporters of Terrigal United into mass celebrations as they claimed a 2-1 victory to keep their season alive.
Dale Eggleton spoke post-match about the game and commended the opposition on their win. “I was proud of our never say die effort, but overall Terrigal deserved their victory as they had more controlled possession throughout the 120 minutes.”
When reflecting on the day, Martyn Griffiths spoke on all three grades and touched on what a great game it was for First Grade. “What a day of football. Unfortunately, we fell short in our U21s, but Reserves performed admirably and deserved their win against Killarney and what can I say about First Grade. A cracking game of football for the neutrals. We were well in control for 75 minutes of the game but 1-0 is a precarious scoreline in football and to be fair to Dale and his Southern squad, they came to like in the final 15/20 minutes of the 90 and the game was end-to-end in extra time with both sides looking to snatch the winner. It looked like we were off to penalties but having watched the goal over and over, it was actually a great control and finish by Tyson Cosgrove. He loves a chat does our Tyso, so no doubt we will be hearing that one over and over again in the coming weeks.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Luke Dunkerley
MAJOR SEMI FINAL
Killarney 1 – 0 Kanwal
Undefeated League Leaders Killarney keep their perfect season alive and book their spot in their sixth consecutive First Grade Grand Final after defeating second-place Bulls 1-0 this past Sunday at Pluim Park.
It was always going to be a tough assignment for Kanwal as they looked to dethrone the competition benchmark, but that assignment got a whole lot tougher when their keeper Kurtis Mohan was sent off early in the game for a missed timed tackle outside the box on the Killarney attacker Adam Woodbine. Mohan was shown a straight red card by the official as the Bulls were forced to finish this important match with just 10 men. But as Kanwal have done many times this season with their backs against the wall, they lifted and were well in the game despite the opposition enjoying plenty of possession. With less than five minutes to go in the first half, a great run and cross from left back Will Hamilton saw the ball pop up in the six-yard box as the poacher Adam Woodbine was first to the loose ball and finished nicely to give his side a 1-0 lead heading into half time.
Kanwal came out in the second half raring with confidence that they could get themselves back into the game. Kanwal defended well and was dangerous from free kicks delivered into the box by Brad Porter, but limited chances prevented their hopes of any comeback. With just 15 minutes left to play, Killarney was awarded a penalty which defender Adam Smith crashed against the crossbar which would have killed the game off for the Terriers. Kanwal would go down to 9 men late in the game after substitute Adam Kwasnik was sent off after receiving two yellow cards as Kanwal will now miss two important players for their do-or-die fixture against Terrigal next weekend. Killarney will enjoy a week off after a close but deserved 1-0 victory over the Bulls.
Ryan Walker felt disappointed but also proud of the effort put in by his squad. “I’m not sure if the occasion got to us, but I’m disappointed with the lack of discipline, although very happy with the effort. With better discipline and the same effort, I think we will be extremely competitive next week. Well done to Ackers and the Killarney boys. As has been the case for the season, they are well drilled, extremely disciplined and have shown good patience throughout games.”
Chris Ackerley touched on how the opposition put up a good fight but admitted his team must be better if they wish to be crowned Premiers. “Glad to have progressed to the Grand Final but know we will have to be better in a fortnight. Another clean sheet which is always pleasing, hard to play against ten as we seemed to think it would just happen for us. Kanwal was extremely courageous with ten men and will give Terrigal a tough game next week.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Miles Allen-Scott
DIVISION 1
