Round 3 of the Julie Porter Cup effectively saw both games treated as semi finals given their table positions. The games were at Myimbarr Park on Sunday afternoon and we saw two very intense matches which is a sign of things to come as the season kicks off later this month.
The first fixture of the day kicked off at 1.00pm, where the Albion Park White Eagles would be the first team to advance into the Julie Porter Cup Grand Final after defeating Woonona Sharks 2-0. The second match saw University FC also advance to the final after taking home a 2-0 victory over Shellharbour JFC.
Woonona Sharks vs. Albion Park White Eagles
It was an intense filled first half, with both sides evening out the possession and attacking chances.
The first goal came from APWE in the 10th minute of the match with an exceptional possession filled play which started from the backline, sending the ball into the centre of the pitch where Samantha Waterworth would soon take a powerful strike 20 yards out and into the top corner for an early lead.
Woonona would hit back shortly after with several attacking chances, but it was the White Eagles who would head into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
A very fast-paced second half commenced, with both teams pushing hard for a chance at goal.
It wasn’t until the 87th minute, where the White Eagles would secure their victory with another outstanding strike from Eliza Cowan.
In a match filled with intensity, the Sharks fought hard but it was Albion Park who would be the first team to advance straight into the Julie Porter Cup Grand Final.
Shellharbour vs. University FC
The second Semi Final on Sunday afternoon saw University take on a strong Shellharbour side, but would later defeat the young guns 2-0.
In a goalless first half, the first goal came in the 52nd minute from the Unicorns Mackenzie Russel with a precise left foot strike from inside the box and into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
Just eight minutes later, another great strike from Lily Dawson deflected off a Shellharbour defender and into the back of the net that secured the University side a 2-0 win, seeing the composed side also head into the Grand Final of the Julie Porter Cup.
In an eventual weekend, the Albion Park White Eagles will now face rivals University once more in the Grand Final clash for the Julie Porter Cup on Sunday 16th April.
