Finals Football is here, and it can be felt all over the NSFA. Vision from all of the Semi-Finals was fantastic to see, and seeing the full range of emotions on display is what makes football so special. Congratulations to all of the winners, and commiserations to those who just fell short.
The Semi-Final drama was as good as ever in the Men’s Premier League, with two very different games playing out to make for a fantastic Grand Final showdown next weekend.
Lindfield FC 3 – 5 Hornsby Heights FC
The moment this fixture was confirmed, it was set to be chaotic. Both sides were among the league’s three highest-scoring teams and had already been involved in some of the most memorable matches of the season. With attacking firepower on both sides, this was always going to be a game where neither team could afford to relax until the final whistle.
Lindfield came flying out of the blocks, with danger man James Plumley opening the scoring in the 8th minute. Trailing early, Heights responded by turning up the pressure and completely shifting the momentum. Lawrence Frederick, Eddie Lee and Oliver Hing all found the back of the net to complete a remarkable turnaround, sending Heights into half-time with a 3-1 lead.
But, as had been the theme throughout the clash, a two-goal advantage was never going to guarantee comfort. Lindfield came out firing after the break, with Jack McAvoy pulling one back in the 57th minute. Just six minutes later, Plumley found his second of the night to bring Lindfield level at 3-3.
With momentum swinging from one side to the other, it was clear the game was far from over. Both teams pushed for the decisive goal, but it was Heights who began to build towards a winner. Eddie Lee completed his brace, restoring Heights’ lead and putting them back in front.
As the match entered its dying moments, substitute Ben Fisher, who had replaced Lee, produced the final blow, squeezing the ball past the Lindfield goalkeeper to make it 5-3 and prompting limbs from the travelling Heights support.
An eight-goal thriller sees Hornsby Heights progress into the final, where they will be feeling confident of causing an upset.
Northbridge FC 1 – 0 Kissing Point FC
The pressure was firmly on Northbridge heading into this one. After 18 rounds of dominance, their season came down to a do-or-die clash, with a Grand Final spot on the line. Kissing Point entered the contest in poor form, but with nothing to lose. They knew they could play with freedom and were inspired by having the Golden Boot winner leading their attack.
Playing at home, Northbridge made the perfect start, finding the opener in the 10th minute. Benjamin Dreger continued his impressive scoring form, sneaking the ball past the keeper from just outside the box, putting Northbridge 1-0 ahead and giving the hosts an early platform to build from.
Kissing Point refused to let the early setback dictate the contest, gradually working their way back into the game as the first half progressed. Northbridge held firm, however, taking their slender advantage into the break.
Kissing Point came out with renewed intent after half-time, looking to find a way back into the contest. They turned to their bench in search of an impact, but Northbridge’s defence remained resolute, protecting their lead at home.
As the minutes ticked away, the tension continued to build. That early Dreger goal was beginning to look like it could be enough, with Northbridge making changes from the bench as they looked to see out the result.
The home side did just that, holding on for a hard-fought 1-0 victory, capping off an outstanding season by securing their place in the Grand Final.
For Kissing Point, it is a disappointing end to their finals campaign, but their attention now turns to the Damian Miles Cup Final where they will look to finish the season on a high.
The Final
The attention now turns to the Grand Final, where Northbridge will host Hornsby Heights. Will Northbridge defend their title, or will Heights cause the ultimate upset? Our match preview will be coming later this week, so stay tuned!
