Women’s Premier League 1 – First Grade – Grand Final Preview
University of Wollongong FC v Shellharbour City FC @Lakelands Oval 3:00pm Kick-off
University of Wollongong FC and Shellharbour City are the named finalists for the upcoming Women’s Premier League Grand Final; two league giants decide who will take the trophy home
The first- and second-placed teams first met in the very first round of the league phase, where Shellharbour humbled visitors Wollongong with the final score at 6-1.
University were down but not out and went on a win streak of five, but City came and wreaked havoc again for Wollongong as they beat them 3-1 away.
Wollongong were triumphant in almost every game they played, but Shellharbour was their biggest weakness, as they won almost every encounter against their second-placed adversary.
That all changed in the semi-final first phase.
University came for vengeance at City’s home ground and ended up striking them where they least expected it.
Jenna Munro scored the only goal of the game in the second half to slay the league leaders.
An almost invincible team, who had only lost once all season, were yet again defied by an underdog squad.
Shellharbour weren’t going to let this defeat slide past them as they proved their quality and experience against a resistant Shoalhaven.
Shoalhaven scored first but couldn’t keep out City’s three goals that came through later.
For who to look out for in the final for Shellharbour, Madelaine Costanzo has led the line up front, coming with the goods with her goals and her pace.
Samara Wehmeyer, with her impact in the midfield, is the main playmaker while also chipping in on the goal side as well.
As for University, Ariana Fleming has been a consistent goal scorer and has a strong patch of form in the business end of the season.
Sophie Boyd from the middle of the park has had a strong contribution in goals, as well as Amy Morrell and Sian McGavock having their fair share of goals.
Multiple scorers for Shellharbour need to be aware of.
Who will reign victorious in the grand final? The strong, possession-heavy Shellharbour City or the defensive unit of Wollongong and their counter-attacking play?
Women’s Premier League 1 – Second Grade – Grand Final Preview
Coniston FC v Shellharbour City FC @Lakelands Oval 12:30pm Kick-off
Coniston FC and Shellharbour City FC are the frontrunners for the Women’s Premier League second-grade Grand Final.
The two clubs have been fierce rivals throughout the season, with one win each and two draws between them.
Shellharbour won their last league battle with a goal from Nikola Wilson.
Despite the result, Shellharbour lost out in the league by three points on the ladder.
Their revenge has to wait as Coniston yet again got one over their competitor in the semi-final round.
In the semi-final knockouts, both teams faced off in the first phase at Shellharbour’s home ground, Myimbarr Park.
Coniston embarrassed Shellharbour on their own soil as they conceded in the first seven minutes of the game by the hands of Kellie McIntyre.
City were locked out for the remainder of the game as they couldn’t penetrate Coniston’s fortification.
Shellharbour had to be patient in having another chance at making it to the final.
That chance came in the next semi-final phase as they versed semi final winners, Woonona, from the other semi-final bracket.
Matilda Pearson and Aisslin Pardo scored the two goals to get past the Sharks, who attempted to bounce back with a goal from Grace Cooper, but it was not enough to stop City from entering the final.
Shellharbour will be eager to get the final say in the debate over who the better team is.
Players such as Simona Spaseska, Kellie McIntyre and Karissa High will need to be well marked if they hope to nullify Coniston’s attack.
On the other end, Nikola Wilson, Aisslin Pardo and Matilda Pearson will be heavy threats that Coniston will need to take defensive consideration for.
Two rivals who are both keen to settle their differences and win on the biggest stage and obtain the bragging rights.
