Wollongong United continued their Finals run with a solid 2-0 win over Albion Park White Eagles at Ian McLennan Park on Saturday.
Van Elia put United ahead on 38 minutes before Jordan Nikolovski doubled their lead on 51 minutes. The White Eagles were determined not to end their season with a whimper as they put enormous pressure on the United defence who held firm.
Albion Park’s toll of injuries hampered their run home as they bowed out of contention at the same stage last season.
Wollongong United on the other hand now find themselves one game away from making the Grand Final from fourth spot.
Van Elia getting away from Joey Lavalle. Picture: Richie Wagner
Meanwhile, Wollongong Olympic booked their place in the Grand Final following a spirited 2-1 win over Coniston FC.
Olympic looked on right from the opening whistle as they started the match with high intensity forcing Coniston on the back foot.
The opening goal was just reward for Olympic on 16 minutes with Rick Goodchild getting on the end of our corner kick to put them in front.
The pressing from Olympic was telling as Jarvis Patterson took advantage of a turnover high upfield and finished well to create a two-goal buffer after just 21 minutes.
In first half stoppage time, Christopher Arditti pulled a goal back for Coniston to bring them back into the game.
They couldn’t find an equaliser as Olympic saw out the game. They have earned themselves another week off as they start their preparations for the Grand Final on Sunday week.
Coniston have shown all season that they are not about to lie down and look forward to having another crack at Olympic however they first need to overcome Wollongong United who are showing some fine finals form in the Preliminary Final on Sunday.
