The first semi final between the South East Cougars and North East Diamonds for the Under 18 Boys was always going to be a close, hard-fought game, and in the end it was the South East Cougars who were able to capitalise on their chances and book a place in the Grand Final this Sunday.

In cold and windy conditions it was the South East Cougars who took full advantage of the strong wind to have the better of the opening minutes, resulting in a low shot across the face of goal which just went wide.

The first 15 minutes were fairly tense with both sides sizing each other up. Both keeper’s were getting plenty of touch on the ball without making any significant saves.

In the 20th minute a free kick from the South East Cougars had the North East Diamonds keeper at full stretch but the direct shot sailed just over the cross bar.

The Diamonds had the first corner of the match and it was cleared off the line by the Cougers’ Tom Green with the keeper making a magnificent save from the follow up shot to deny the Diamonds getting the opening goal.

Minutes later, the Diamonds’ keeper, Oliver Browning, was forced into a double save, keeping the score at 0-0.

Soon after, the Cougars were awarded a penalty for a hand ball. Browning guessed the right way but was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line, leaving Gideon Sweet celebrating the first goal of the match with his Cougars’ teammates.

The wind eased in the later stages of the first half, which brought out some dominant passages of play by the North East Diamonds, but once again they couldn’t capitalise on any of the chances they created.

The Cougars’ second goal of the match came once again through Gideon Sweet after some great team play.  A free kick from well outside the box on the wing was skilfully delivered to the head of Sweet who flicked the ball past Browning in goals.

The South East Cougars went into the break with a 2-0 lead, but the North East Diamonds were still in with a chance to salvage the match.

With the rain and wind picking right up again and a spot in the Grand Final on the line, the game became feistier with both teams trying to assert themselves on the match.

The North East Diamonds came close with an attempt on goal that mirrored the Cougars’ second goal, but the header was directed straight to the safe hands of  the ‘keeper.

The North East Diamonds continued to raid South East Cougars’ goal but to no avail until the final minute of the match. Justin Ristevski rose above the pack to this time head the ball passed the keeper and in the back of the net for the Diamonds’ only goal.

A skilful, competitive match resulted in the final score 2-1 to the South East Cougars.

 

The Cougars now await the outcome of tonight’s match between the Southern Blue Tongues and Western Wolves at DISC, kicking off at 6.30pm, to see who the Grand Finalists will be on Sunday at Epping.

 

The match will follow the National Youth League game between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.

 

The Open Women also have their Grand Final this weekend. All five teams who have played throughout season – Rivers FC, Southern Blue Tongues (includes players from South East Cougars), Central City, Gippsland Knights and Eastern FC (includes North East Diamonds) – will have the opportunity to play in finals.

 

In the Elimination Final, it will be Rivers FC and the Southern Blue Tongues fighting it out to play in the Semi Final. The Elimination Final takes place at DISC this Saturday at 10am. The winner will play Central City later that day at DISC, kicking off at 4.00pm.

 

Gippsland Knights come up against Eastern FC in the other Semi Final at DISC on Saturday at 12.30pm. Gippsland just missed out on the top spot to Central City, and will be very keen to cement their place in the Grand Final.

 

The winners of the two Semi Finals will play in the Grand Final this Sunday 20th December on the artificial pitch at Epping Soccer Stadium, kicking off at 11am.