SENIORS – UNITED 2 d GAMBIER CENTRALS 1
FOR the third consecutive year, United and Gambier Centrals met in the senior South East Women’s Football Association grand final and it was one for the ages.
Centrals had the upper hand, winning after finishing minor premiers, but in the end United claimed an overtime win in a thrilling contest.
United settled quickly to create opportunities from the outset.
Monique Sims was in fine form, while Jasmine White was also attacking hard.
Both teams applied pressure in attack, only to be shut down by their opposing defences.
United’s goalkeeper Richelle Huntly was able to keep scores level.
Eventually a cross into the goal square from United’s Lauren Smith was finished by Gabby Tentye to put the side in the lead before half time.
Centrals had the wind advantage in the second term and Huntly was forced to make several diving saves.
The Lions suffered a blow when Kate Seaton was carried off with injury, but that did not stop them from being awarded a corner kick with only minutes of regulation time left.
Centrals pushed its entire team into attack, including goal keeper Kali Langley, which resulted in Emma O’Callaghan scoring the equaliser and forcing the game into extra time.
Extra time started evenly, until a free kick was awarded to United’s Lauren Frost.
Her shot from past the halfway line saw her place the ball in the top corner of the net to United in front.
The 10-minute mark saw teams change ends for the second period, but when the final whistle blew the scored had not changed and United claimed the premiership 2-1.
UNDER 16 – GAMBIER CENTRALS 4 d UNITED 0
GAMBIER Centrals was too strong for United in the South East Women’s soccer Under 16 grand final.
United took the first kick off, but Centrals had a slight wind advantage in the sunny conditions.
As in past games it did not take long for the Lions to win back possession and push forward.
However, United’s heavy defensive setup was a new challenge and it took some time for Centrals to figure it out.
After seeing the defensive tactics Centrals’ coaches were quick to make some changes and 17 minutes in the deadlock was broken when Kate Seaton scored with a shot from the top of the 18-yard box.
Centrals continued to attack, but found the going tough, until Seaton converted again to double the lead.
The match restarted and only a minute later Alex Jolley attempted a pass from the wing when a lucky gust of wind saw the ball sail into the back of the net.
The Centrals crowed erupted and the team took a 3-0 lead into half time.
It did not take long for the Lions to continue their premiership hunt after the break and Ellie Seaton scored in the opening minutes from long range to conclude the scoring for the match.
The remainder of the half saw Centrals unable to further its lead, while United struggled to create opportunities up forward without the Lions’ defence turning them away.
It was the perfect end to an undefeated season for Centrals, claiming the premiership 4-0.
RESULTS
Seniors: United 2 d Centrals 1 (1-1 at end of regulation time). Goals – United: G. Tentye, L. Frost; Centrals: E. O’Callaghan.
Under 16: Centrals 4 d United 0. Goals – Centrals: K. Seaton 2, E. Seaton 1, A. Jolley 1.
Under 13: Apollo City 2 d Millicent 1. Goals – Apollo: R. Kuchel, M. Jarnevic; Millicent: L. Shepherd.
The ‘Jenna MCormick Medal’ for best on ground was awarded to Lauren Frost of United
