A hard fought and intense semi-final match between Albion Park White Eagles and Wollongong United was decided by a penalty shootout last night at Macedonia Park Berkeley.

At full time the score was locked at 2 – 2 with Wollongong United eventually being declared the victors after winning the penalty shootout 5 – 4.

Albion Park White Eagles went into the match with wins in all three of their matches and as joint leader with Woonona on nine points.

Wollongong United, on seven points, finished the preliminary rounds with two wins and a drawn match.

This set the stage for a close and entertaining encounter.

In front of a large crowd on a warm evening Wollongong United took an early lead in the match scoring their first goal in the 25^th second with a chip by John Martinoski going over Albion Park’s goalkeeper Lachlan Ahling and into the right side of the net.

By the fifth minute Albion Park White Eagles had levelled the score. A long range cross in from outside the box on the right hand side allowed Albion Park’s Bojan Caric to head the ball into the goal.

Albion Park White Eagles 1 – Wollongong United 1

At this stage the fast paced game became even more intense with both sides missing opportunities to score and take the lead.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 21^st minute when a kick from Albion Park’s Christopher Nathaniel hit the back of the net after being misjudged by the keeper.

Albion Park White Eagles 2 – Wollongong United 1

Both sides continued to have chances to score until finally Wollongong United was able to level the scores again in the 33^rd minute. A mistake from an Albion Park defender inside the box gave Wollongong’s Klime Sekutkoski the opportunity to score.

At half time the score remained Albion Park White Eagles 2 – Wollongong United 2.

Both sides had many opportunities to score and take the lead. Wollongong United in particular pressured hard in the last ten minutes of the first half.

Both teams came out after half time determined to break the deadlock.

As a result both sides had chances to score in the first few minutes. Albion Park had a chance from a free kick and then a corner while Wollongong United had a chance right in front of the goals. Both teams were unsuccessful.

With numerous chances and some easy opportunities missed tensions were high.

Albion Park’s best chance to score occurred in the 63^rd minute with a cross in from Jack Balmforth to Shaun Mcrae whose power shot was well saved by goal keeper Sam Nastic.

Wollongong United’s best chance to take the lead occurred in the 79^th minute with a free kick from Matt Floro but unfortunately there were no players who could connect with the ball and score.

After a very even and hard fought second half with many scoring opportunities for both sides, the match remained drawn at full time.

Albion Park White Eagles 2 – Wollongong United 2

In the penalty shootout that followed Wollongong converted all 5 penalty kicks while Albion Park only converted 4 penalty kicks.

As a result Wollongong United won the match.

Wollongong United will now play in the Grand Final against Kemblawarra Fury on Saturday 12 March at Tarrawanna Oval.

We wish both teams good luck.

 

Albion Park White Eagles – 2 – Bojan Caric (1), Chris Nathaniel (1)

Wollongong United – 2 – John Martinoski (1), Klime Sekutkoski

 

Wednesday 9^th March 2016

Macedonia Park Berkeley

 

Referee: Peter Ilcevski

Assistant Referees: Steve Bozic and Michael Kusi

 

Story by Emma Gilly

Photo Archive: Pedro Garcia