The Preliminary Final continued the high-scoring trend of the Illawarra Premier League Finals Series as the league champions missed out on the Grand Final.
Wollongong United FC 3(4) Coniston FC (5)
Coniston FC earned their place in the Grand Final, beating league champions Wollongong United on penalties in a thrilling contest at JJ Kelly Park on Sunday.
Kyah Jovanovski got the scoring started early for United, with his 10th goal of the season, before Tobias Norval restored parity for Coniston in the 39th minute.
With two regular first-half minutes to play, United went back in front courtesy of Jordan Nikolovski to give the side a slender lead heading into the sheds.
It took Coniston just seven minutes after the break to equalise through Jayden Branovski, as the game trickled into extra time.
Elijah Howe put Coniston into the lead in the first half of extra time, but United squared the ledger at the start of the second half.
Coniston prevailed 5-4 on penalties with Johnny Martinoski converting the decisive spot-kick.
The side will face Wollongong Olympic in the big dance at WIN Stadium, looking to secure their second title in three years.
In second grade, Cringila Lions made it through to the Grand Final with a 3-0 win over Helensburgh Thistle, with striker Jordan Prentoski scoring twice to take his tally to 20 goals for the season.
The Lions face league champions Bulli in the Grand Final.
In Youth Grade, Cringila also advanced to the big dance, beating Bulli 3-1. Isaac Kostovski’s brace proved key, making it 26 goals this season for the forward.
Cringila take on league champions Wollongong United in the Grand Final.
Review by Tim Gibson
