LIMESTONE Coast soccer teams contested the final minor round of the LCFA pre-season cup on Sunday, with the semi-final draws now decided, with some unexpected results.
International and Gambier Centrals finished top of their pools, both undefeated, after the former claimed a 4-1 win over Blue Lake on the weekend, while the Lions accounted for Millicent 4-0.
As a result of Apollo’s disqualification from its round one win, Millicent has booked a semi-final berth with Inter, after goal difference came into play between it, Portland and Apollo.
The second semi-final will see Centrals face Naracoorte, with goal difference also coming into play against Blue Lake.
The A Grade semi-finals are to be held on Anzac Day at Casadio Park, along with the Under 17’s, with the second senior game to be played under lights.
On Sunday Inter had a close battle with Blue Lake and the reigning premiers could not put the game away until the second half.
The first 30 minutes of the game was a tough grind, with neither team able to capitalise in front of goals.
It was not until a mistake from the Rangers’ goalkeeper Inter was able to hit the scoreboard and carry a one-nil lead into half time.
“We were struggling to break through, but were fortunate Christian Cella received a misdirected kick from their (Blue Lake’s) goalkeeper, which he kicked straight back in,” Inter coach Tony D’Agostino said.
That filled the team with some confidence, after a disappointing first half.
“I was not happy with how we performed in the first half and the players themselves were not happy either,” D’Agostino said.
“That was a positive for me and at half time we spoke and all knew what we were doing wrong.”
After the break a penalty shot saw Blue Lake’s Ebunoluwa Doramola with a goal, to lock the scores at one-all.
However, D’Agostino said that spurred his team into action and from there the black and blue were able to run away with the game.
“We did go one-all, but as soon as that happened we pretty much turned the switch and started to play a lot better,” he said.
“It was not too long before we were 2-1 and then 3-1 up.
“Then we were a lot more comfortable and could go back to playing the game we had been practising.”
Dan Bronca hit the scoreboard twice in the second half, while Lachlan Charlton – who has returned to the sport after a year off – moved forward from defence late in the game to score as well.
Charlton was in fine form on Sunday and D’Agostino said he was the best-on-ground in his eyes.
“I put him down as probably our best player on Sunday,” he said.
“With some hard running from defence, he really put in the hard yards when we were under the pump.
“Then at the end he came forward and even scored a goal, which was pleasing to see we had goals coming from different avenues.”
Aside from Charlton, D’Agostino said it was the “usual suspects” who stepped up when the going was tough.
“Christian Cella really led by example,” he said.
“When it was difficult he stepped up and made sure the players were all focused.
“Ricky McRobert was outstanding as well, coming back from an injury which kept him out of a bit of our pre-season and our goalkeeper Brayden May pulled off some saves that could have made the game even closer.
“They were the ones I thought really dug in deep.”
D’Agostino also gave credit to the youth in the side, with the likes of Tyler Michielan and Philip Muzaliwa both starters in the senior side this year.
Caleb Casey was brought on from the bench and D’Agostino said he “helped change the game”, while Kaleb Gentile and Seh Htoo also came on for some valuable minutes in the senior game.
Connor Prior and Austin Rossi are also Under 17’s in the senior team, but were both unavailable on the weekend.
“We have a lot of young kids, but we are still doing pretty well depth wise,” D’Agostino said.
“We are quite happy with the progress they are making.”
Another close game was had over in Portland, when Apollo visited the seasiders for a 2-1 victory.
Tom Inglis and Tobbei Kennett hit the board for the guests, while a red card to Apollo co-coach Bruno Vadori demonstrated the intensity of the clash.
With just one goal difference resulting in Apollo missing out on a semi-final berth, the side will now turn its focus towards the premiership season.
The final game saw Centrals with a 4-0 win over Millicent at Bishop Road.
Mitch Thomson backed up his goal from last week with another two on Sunday, while Cameron Saint and Mitchell Cutting banged through one each.
The win marks a perfect start to the season, as the Lions progress to their semi-final meeting against Naracoorte with an undefeated record for 2019.
With no soccer this weekend for the Easter break, the next matches will be held next Thursday for the Anzac Day event.
