Round 2 threw up a very competitive round of matches culminating in an exciting and nervy final round of group games to determine the semi finalists.
Woonona haven’t been at their fluent best in this cup competition as they played out a 1-1 draw with Thirroul following their upset loss to Kiama last week.
Despite having the majority of possession, Thirroul showed great defensive resilience whilst they weren’t backward in throwing players up when the opportunity arose. Grace Cooper broke the deadlock on the hour, putting Woonona in front with a great strike from 20 yards; however, the reliable Kirsten Ward finished a swift counter attack with a deft chip, drawing Thirroul level on 78 minutes.
The point leaves Woonona on the brink of elimination from the Cup competition, and they face a must-win game in the final round against cup holders Shoalhaven FC to have any chance of progression. Thirroul, on the other hand, are all but eliminated, but they will take great heart from the draw as they go through to their final group game against surprise packets, Kiama Quarriers.
Speaking of Kiama Quarriers, they battled out a 1-1 draw with Shoalhaven away. Taniesha Angelkovski got the home side off to a flyer as she neatly tucked away her opportunity in as early as the fifth minute to put Shoalhaven ahead. Kiama have showed great character so far in this competition and they weren’t about to give in. They battled hard to keep themselves in the game, and Yasmin Willis nipped in to level the scores on 66 minutes. Neither side could find a winner, and with both sides on four points, they settled for the draw. Both Shoalhaven and Kiama just need to avoid defeat next week to secure semi-final births.
Shellharbour City secured their semi final place with a gritty and hard fought 1-0 win over Coniston FC who showed that they are ready to push for the title. Coach Nick Tortorella appears to have recruited well on the back of their inaugural season. The only goal of the game fell to Samara Wehmeyer just before the break.
The final game of the round saw a super entertaining match that had University come out on top 3-2 over a fighting Bulli side who bounced back with a terrific effort following last week’s thumping. The students got the jump when Rhianna Brown got the scoring started after just 11 minutes. Kate Stewart doubled their advantage on 38 minutes as University seemed to be coasting at the break. Bulli come out from the sheds a new team in the second period as they took the game to University. They were rewarded when Penelope Hausner latched onto a loose ball to draw a goal back on the hour. As time ticked by, it looked like University would hang on as the game opened up. Hausner finished well on 82 minutes to level the scores. In one last twist, Makayla Wheatley broke Bulli hearts as she nabbed a winner in injury time to keep the students’ semi-final hopes alive.
It sets up an intriguing final round:
University will likely need to get a result from their match against Shellharbour City. Coniston can secure a semi final spot with a win over Bulli FC who have shown great improvement.
Woonona is in a must win game against Shoalhaven whilst Cup debutaunts and guests will be looking to keep their magical cup run going as they visit Thirroul.
Photos Richie Wagner and Graham Brown.
