Premier League 2 Finals Week 2
Fernhill 1 defeated Dandaloo 0 @Elizabeth Park
Perfect football conditions greeted both sides, with sunny skies and a slight breeze setting the scene for a tightly contested battle between Fernhill and Dandaloo.
Dandaloo had an early opportunity to take the lead after the Foxes’ goalkeeper rushed out to contain a shot. The ricochet fell kindly to Dandaloo captain Jamie Holland with the goal unattended, but the chance was sent narrowly wide. The opening stages were characterised by physicality, aerial contests and plenty of headers as both sides battled for control.
With the pitch offering plenty of width, both teams looked to stretch the opposition and work the ball into wide areas before delivering crosses into the box. However, neither side was able to make much of their early set-piece opportunities, with deliveries failing to consistently find their intended targets.
Fernhill were left frustrated after a controversial refereeing decision when what appeared to be a clear handball inside the box went unpunished.
Dandaloo then came close again when Jacob Martin, a scheming left back produced an excellent ball for Bradley Acev, who met it on the half-volley, only to send his effort narrowly over the crossbar.
Fernhill gradually began to assert themselves, with Dandaloo struggling to maintain possession. Loose passes and attempts to dribble through pressure repeatedly put Dandaloo under assault allowing Fernhill to dominate territory and possession.
A dangerous ball from Dejan Djukic found brother Daniel Djukic, whose header created an opportunity for Kyle Del forcing an excellent save from the Dandaloo goalkeeper Damian Bedwell.
Fernhill continued to threaten, with a surging run from Bailey Morphett ending with a clever chipped pass putting Kyle Del through who connected with a half-volley, but once again the attempt sailed just over the bar.
Dandaloo were largely forced into a counter-attacking approach, rarely enjoying sustained periods of possession.
One of their best opportunities came when Jacob Martin drove down the left touchline before cutting the ball back to Jeremy Flanagan. Despite being on a difficult angle, Flanagan managed to get an effort away, only for the Foxes goalkeeper to make the save.
Fernhill’s pressure continued as Mattias Passlack forced the Dandaloo goalkeeper into another save from a bouncing ball that had fallen at his feet. Shortly afterwards, Hughes cut inside and struck an effort from outside the box, narrowly missing the target.
Foxes goalkeeper Brandon Groom produced a brilliant save at full stretch to deny a powerful effort from Dandaloo’s Kyle Kirkland.
This pressure continued as Bradley Acev played an excellent through ball into Flanagan, who found himself with a great chance. However, the Foxes goalkeeper produced a crucial fingertip save to keep the scores level.
The second half continued in much the same fashion, with neither side willing to give an inch in a contest that remained finely balanced.
Eventually, Fernhill found the breakthrough through their spiritual leader, Jordan Hughes, who delivered the decisive moment to put the Foxes ahead.
Dandaloo pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way through a disciplined Fernhill defence.
When the final whistle sounded, it was Fernhill who emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought 1–0 win over Dandaloo.
In a match defined by physical contests, aerial battles, goalkeeping heroics and missed opportunities, Jordan Hughes’ decisive goal proved to be the difference.
Looking to next week the Foxes will face Oak Flats who will be well rested after a week off. Oak Flats have shown their class and superiority throughout the year however, have struggled against Fernhill in the regular season with a draw and a loss taken from both games against the Foxes.
With all the pressure on competition favourites Oak Flats to deliver, Fernhill have nothing to lose and can play with freedom, using their typically flamboyant style to disrupt Oak Flats’ more structured approach.
By Wyatt
