The Men’s Premiership grand-final fixtures are all set after a series of drama-filled matches in the preliminary finals over the weekend.
Premier League:
Wollongong United will have the chance to retain their Illawarra Premier League title after their 2-1 win against Cringila Lions at Macedonia Park on Sunday. Klime Sekutkoski sent United into halftime in the lead. Before Anthony Krsteski’s equaliser for Cringila was cancelled out less than a minute later by Jeremy Flanagan.
It’s a tough way for the Lions to miss out on a grand final after just two defeats since July before this game. However, Wollongong United now have the chance to add some further gloss to a campaign in which they have already claimed the league championship and a national-round place in the Australia Cup. They’ll take on Wollongong Olympic this Sunday at WIN Stadium.
A Matthew Tschentsher brace in Coniston’s 4-2 win against Port Kembla has guided the side to a grand final clash with Bulli in second grade. While in youth grade Wollongong United powered into the big dance with a commanding 5-0 win against Cringila Lions.
District League:
Unanderra Hearts are through to their second grand final in a row after downing University FC 3-1 at JJ Kelly Park on Saturday. Scott Bridge’s quickfire brace sent the side into halftime with a two-goal buffer.
Oscar Pruks’ goal off the bench for the Students made it an interesting finish to the match. However, University were unable to get back into the game with Unanderra forward Mark Picciolini tucking away a penalty to blowout the score. The Students’ dream finals run has come to an end.
The Hearts are now through Sunday’s clash with Helensburgh Thistle at WIN Stadium in the grand final.
It couldn’t have been tighter in the lower grades with penalties required to decide both matches. University have made it through to the youth grade grand final after prevailing 4-3 on penalties against Helensburgh after a 2-2 draw at the end of extra time. The Students will face Thirroul Thunder on Friday night.
It was a similar story in second grade with Unanderra and Thirroul tied 2-2 after extra time. A 5-4 victory on penalties for the Hearts sees them into the grand final against Helensburgh.
Review by Timothy Gibson, on Twitter @Timg123_
Feature photo courtesy of Richie Wagner
