Shellharbour JFC overcame a fast-finishing Bulli FC 2-1 to take out the inaugural WPL Youth Cup Knockout.
Both teams started quite nervously with neither side managing to create anything significant early.
Imogen King combined with Ella Fraser to create a half chance midway through the half; however, she sprayed her effort wide.
Shortly after, Emily Johnson went on a mazy run and just as she was about to pull the trigger, Shellharbour defended it well, blocking the shot.
Shellharbour was starting to make some inroads on the left. At the half hour, Matilda Pearson managed to use her pace to burst down the left. She whipped in a delightful cross that saw Sofia Mieli get a toe to it, putting it past Renee Turner, earning Shellharbour the opening goal.
Shellharbour nearly got a second just 90 seconds later. Mieli rounded a defender on the right edge of the box before firing. The shot was well gathered by Turner.
Moments later, and at the other end, a shallow back pass to Piper Robertson was picked off by Fraser as she rounded the keeper and neatly finished to level the scores.
In football, it’s often said, teams are most vulnerable after they have just scored. Unfortunately, this rang true for Bulli, as Shellharbour struck back very shortly after. Pearson again penetrated down the left before putting in a cross that saw Sienna Forlano finish from close range.
Pearson was causing havoc down the left side as she once again broke free. She drove towards goal; however, her left-footed strike was saved by Turner.
Shellharbour went into the break 2-1 up, having finished the half strongly.
They started the second half much like how they finished the first. Just eight minutes after the restart, Mieli let rip an effort from range that had Turner scrambling.
Going into the last half hour, Bulli stepped up their desperation, having looked to have gained some momentum. They had a big chance on 62 minutes. Alessia Disibio provided the lead-up work driving into the box. The ball bounced around the box with Shellharbour desperately trying to clear. Fraser had the chance to turn it in; however, the ball took a higher bounce than expected as she struggled to control it. The ball fell to Nikki Taylor, whose effort was blocked before eventually being
Bulli continued to pressure the Shellharbour defence, Fraser looked to lob Roberston off a bouncing ball late in the game, which the goalkeeper managed to save on the line.
It was a strong finish by Bulli, however Shellharbour’s defence held firm to see out an exciting 2-1 win to earn themselves Cup glory.
Midfielder Lucy Seten earned Player of the Match honours for orchestrating play and helping Shellharbour hold on for the win.
📸 Photos: Gragrapix
✍️ Report: Bobby Mazevski
