Shellharbour City FC-0, University of Wollongong-1 @Myimbarr Park
University of Wollongong get one over Shellharbour as they seal their place in the final; league leaders wait until the next round for another chance in the final.
Both first and second battled for it in the first round of the semi-finals; University have been the only team to get somewhat close to City’s number of points on the ladder.
The two sides faced off prior in round 19, where Shellharbour left with the three points with only a goal to achieve it.
Wollongong weren’t going to let Shellharbour walk comfortably into the final without a fight.
The first half showed that neither team were going to make it easy for each other, as the half finished at 0-0.
The nerves would have increased coming into the second half as the final spot was only 45 minutes away.
University had to ignore that they were playing against the minor premiers of the league.
Instead, they had to focus on the fact that they had the opportunity to be premiers if they won this round and reached the final.
They took that mindset in stride, as in the 55th minute, the goal to separate the two teams came through.
The team to score it was University.
Jenna Munro was the answer to Wollongong’s prayers as she put the dagger in with her finish to hurt the hearts of her opposition.
One goal up with less than 35 minutes to go.
With only one goal, Wollongong were on edge but sustained their defence.
University gave their opponents no ground to work with as they continued to keep City out for the remainder of the game.
University reigned victorious in the semi-finals, beating the heavy favourites, Shellharbour.
They have their place in the final against a side which is to be decided in the next semi-final round.
This round sees Shellharbour take on the winners of the other semi-final, Shoalhaven.
Woonona Sharks FC-1, Shoalhaven FC-3 @Unanderra Oval
Woonona knocked out as Shoalhaven burst through with three first-half goals to settle the tie early.
In the 34th minute, Sarah Kilby scored the first goal in the semi-final. No late dramas for this game, as the player broke the tension early in the game.
Two minutes later, Kilby struck again; Shoalhaven could not keep her out as she notched her second of the game.
2-0 in the first half itself.
Before Woonona could find a way back into the semi-final match, Lauren Gilbert followed through with her strike to make it three for Shoalhaven.
Three goals within the span of 8 minutes.
Woonona was dumbstruck by the quick flood of goals.
Both sides headed into their dressing sheds for the break. Shoalhaven was in front and in the mood for this game.
Woonona needed to find their shooting boots fast as they trailed by three.
In terms of the events in the second half, it was quiet as the Sharks missed their opportunity to create a goal for themselves early.
They were still 3-0 down as it neared the 80th minute.
In the 87th minute, the Sharks finally broke through Shoalhaven’s fortified defence as Emily Muzevic broke her opponents’ clean sheet.
A goal for the second-half substitute.
The final score was 3-1 to Shoalhaven as they progress to the next semi-final round.
They take on Shellharbour, who were defeated in their semi-final game.
The semi-final fixture will be played at a neutral venue.
The venue will be JJ Kelly Park.
ByThomas Panayiotou
