The much awaited Elimination Final between 3rd place Gambier Centrals and 4th place Gambier City Sharks, was played at the home of Apollo SC on Sunday.
The last time these teams played, Centrals won comfortably 4-0 against a very under strength Sharks team in Round 12.
The Sharks finally were able to produce a full strength squad with all players being available.
The Starting Line Up
GK: Norton Fuller
Defence: Heath Widdison, Craig Wright, Corey Pilven, Daniel Leary
Midfield: Jason Brooks, Matt Gordon, Tobbei Kennett, Mafwata Bope
Forwards: Julien Tralongo, Salva Kasole
Substitutes: Chris Tralongo, Matt Weistra, Andy Gentile, Dylan Kennett
The Game summary as follows:
Centrals captain Jesse Wehnam won the toss and decided to kick with the wind in the first half.
The Sharks started without their key player Matt Weistra, who was fulfilling his duties with South Gambier Football Club, playing in the A Grade Elimination final against North Gambier.
It was an arm wrestle right from the start, but it was the Sharks that started the attack with Julien Tralongo in action very early in the game when he shoots from distance only to see the ball travel over the cross bar.
Both teams were applying lots of pressure, causing many turnovers and playing counter attack style game. The Lions were sending long balls to their forwards, but the Sharks defence of Widdison, Wright, Pilven and young Leary prevented any early attempts on goal.
The hard running midfield of Tobbei Kennett & Matt Gordon were causing some concerns for the Lions as many times they broke through the defence and had shots on goal.
Lions keeper Bytheway was in good form, and save after save denied the Sharks any goals.
Jason Brooks & Marc Bope were following instructions from their coach keeping the most dangerous, talented players for the Lions in Alex Sims & Mark Judd very close and denying them any positive possession.
(28min) From the side line in the Sharks attacking half, Pilven throws the ball to the feet of his captain Tobbei Kennet, who controls the ball, dribbles to the edge of the 18 yd box, and from a tight angle smashes the ball so hard it goes under the cross bar, denying any chance for Bytheway to save. What a goal. Score 1-0
Coach Bruttomesso made his first change bringing off Julien Tralongo who seemed to have over stretched his hamstring, and replacing him with his younger brother Chris.
Half Time Score. Sharks lead 1-0
(80min) Centrals young gun, Mark Judd found some space on the right side of the field, and from approx 20 yds blasts the ball over the Sharks keeper Fuller into the back of the net. Was a great goal. Score 1-1.
At the final whistle, the scoreline was locked at 1-1.
Both teams now have to play extra time (10mins/each way).
As both teams were having a break, Matt Weistra arrived and quickly got ready to go on and play in the extra time.
Unfortunately, Chris Tralongo was selected to come off making way for Matt Weistra.
All players were starting to feel fatigued after a long 90 min arm wrestle.
Another substitute was made by Coach Bruttomesso when Salva Kasole was suffering from cramps came off and was replaced by much experienced player Andy Gentile.
Gentile had made an immediate impact as his decision making and passing skills were evident, and was very unlucky not to score.
It was the 2 goal keepers that were giving the large crowd some entertainment making some great saves, both in Norton Fuller (Sharks) & William Bytheway (Centrals).
(5 mins –second half/extra time) Sharks are awarded a corner, Weistra steps up to take it.
Weistra delivers the perfect ball, with his captain Tobbei Kennett against Centrals captain Jesse Wenham.
Kennett manages to break free and positions himself to meet the ball and executing the game winning header into the top left hand corner of goal. A helpless Bytheway could only watch the ball as it crossed the line. Sharks lead 2-1.
Final whistle blew, and it was the Sharks that were the victors and now earn themselves a place in next weeks Preliminary Final against their arch rivals International SC, who lost to Apollo in penalties after the scoreline was locked at 2-2 after extra time.
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