SEWFA Finals
Elimination Final
City 2 d United 1
Having played each other in Round 14, both sides new what to expect and both teams delivered a classic elimination Final.
Chances were hard to come by early as City attempted to open ups the United defence. Meg Walters was combining well with Emily Birch down the right as City made many forays into theUnited box. Kylie Durbidge was linking well in the United mid-field with Keisha Seiler which created a number of shots of goal but were safely handled by City keeper Lowe.
The dead lock was broken late in the half and it was no surprise that it came from out wide. Birch picked up the ball on the half way line and pushed forward. Once balanced her cross cut a path through the United defence opening up the goals. Jen Smith was the last one in the waiting line and methodically placed the ball past the keeper and into the net. HALFTIME 1-0, City
As second half progressed, so did the United attacks. Being behind in an elimination final makes you through caution to the wind as there is no tomorrow for second place. Julia Reader, who had been stopping City attacks all game, was then thrust forward to create a few of her own, and the move worked. The United side lifted and camped themselves in the City goal mouth as a number of goal mouth scrambles could have seen the score line level. The City defence dug deep as Erin Ireland and Kahlie Trapolino held on. Then the inevitable happened. A long ball forward was flicked on by Smith and fell into the path of Emma MacKay. United tried to chase her down but MacKay was able to balance and place the ball under the United keeper to double the advantage. This spurred on the United outfit and with ten minutes to go, United got one back. Another goal mouth scramble saw the ball fall the Reader who found the corner of the goal.
The last five minutes saw no further changes to the score as United pushed for an equaliser. When the final whistle blew, City had done enough to hold on and earn another week of knock out football. United’s season is over but after today they have showed themselves they we be a side to watch next season.
Qualifying Final
Wanderers 2 d Palace
No Report
Juniors
Villa 2 d Palace
No Report
Wanderers 4 d County
Wintery football conditions met players and the large crowd of spectators alike, when Wanderers met County in the Under 14's Elimination Final at Blue Lake Sports Park on Saturday afternoon. Enthusiasm and team spirit were evident in both teams, with experienced finals participants Wanderers disguising any pre-match nerves well. Underdogs County came onto the pitch hoping for a win and were determined to work hard and do their best to get that result.
County forwards Karissa Coulson and Bree Thomson worked hard from the first whistle to score the first goal of the match, but it was not to be, as Wanderers J White took that honour. County's Emma Schultz, Shae Thomson and Lauren Smith in the midfield pushedforward when possible, but quick running and attacking pressure from Wanderers made that difficult. Wanderers Monique Sims secured their second goal towards the end of the first half, despite the best efforts of the County defence. The smallest player on the pitch BecMorgan, stood firm against the taller Wanderers players and chased down any loose balls well.
After half time, both teams returned to the pitch with renewed determination and drive.Wanderers goalkeeper Hayley Edwards, did a superb job in stopping any balls that County managed to get through the tight Wanderers defence of K Payne, Alice Nunan and W Green. Free running and great ball skills and team passing, saw Wanderers' J White score herself a second goal mid way through the second half, despite the defensive efforts ofGeorgie Peate, Stef D'Agostino, Alice Roughana and Julia Alvey. County goalkeeper, Ashley Tye, stopped many of the shots on goal by the Wanderers forwards, but the continued attacking pressure of Wanderers kept the ball in their half. In the final minutes, with the Elimination final result to Wanderers assured, the County coach put Tye on the field, with Katie McMillan then pulling on the gloves. A brilliant shot on goal by Wanderers K Antunov went past the County defence to register another Wanderers goal for the match.
After half time, both teams returned to the pitch with renewed determination and drive.Wanderers goalkeeper Hayley Edwards, did a superb job in stopping any balls that County managed to get through the tight Wanderers defence of K Payne, Alice Nunan and W Green. Free running and great ball skills and team passing, saw Wanderers' J White score herself a second goal mid way through the second half, despite the defensive efforts ofGeorgie Peate, Stef D'Agostino, Alice Roughana and Julia Alvey. County goalkeeper, Ashley Tye, stopped many of the shots on goal by the Wanderers forwards, but the continued attacking pressure of Wanderers kept the ball in their half. In the final minutes, with the Elimination final result to Wanderers assured, the County coach put Tye on the field, with Katie McMillan then pulling on the gloves. A brilliant shot on goal by Wanderers K Antunov went past the County defence to register another Wanderers goal for the match.
It was a wonderful football match to watch and all players should be proud of their accomplishments.
The County Juniors were disappointed to have lost in their first final's appearance but are already looking forward to an exciting Season 2012 in the South East Women's Football Association (SEWFA) league.
This weeks game:
Preliminary Final. Palace V Wanderers 1.30pm Under 14’s
Preliminary Final, Palace v City, 3.00pm Seniors
All at Blue Lake Sports Park.