MATCH WINNER MCSTAY HELPS BURGH DOWN BLUEYS

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Helensburgh, inspired by Michael McStay brace, took out the Illawarra Premier League Second Grade grand final against Tarrawanna.

The dominant result came 12 months on from the Thistle losing in the decider to the same opponent.

Helensburgh were on top of the Blueys from the opening whistle with the side taking a dozen minutes to find the back of the net.

The goal came after a Brady Tipping free kick slammed into the wall before it was recycled with Luke Miller teeing up McStay to score.

The second came in the 25th minute with another Tipping free kick a part of the build-up.

Tipping played in a darting ball to find the head of McStay with Blueys goalkeeper David Booth unable to keep the low shot out of the net.

Tarrawanna had a couple of chances in the final 15 minutes of the first half through Jacob Martin and Jaidn Parkin, however, both players shot straight at Ahmed Algarawi in the Helensburgh goal.

Helensburgh came close to a third on two occasions in the opening stages of the second half.

In the 49th minute, Noah Lehn struck wide before Blueys defender Mitchell Neaves managed to block a shot from McStay which was bound for the back of the net.

With 20 minutes remaining a long throw from Tarrawanna midfielder Mitchell Cooper caused havoc with Algarawi spilling it in the middle of the box, however, a Bluey was unable to pounce.

Half-time substitute Lachlan Stanton nearly put the result beyond all doubt in the 77th minute when he found space in the left of the box before forcing Booth into an exceptional save.

Tarrawanna, who claimed four points against Helensburgh in the regular season on their way to the league title, were not able to find the back of the net with the last chance coming via a wayward header from Chris Gibson with 90 minutes on the clock.

Thistle forward McStay was named player of the match after his two-goal haul.

Match Stats

Report by Dylan Arvela

Photos courtesy of Graham Brown

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