Macedonia Park played host to the semi finals of the Fraternity Cup District League clash between Fernhill Foxes and Thirroul Thunder. After facing off on Sunday where Thirroul defeated Fernhill, claiming the top spot – the Foxes were looking for some redemption.

The match saw both teams hungry for a win from the get go with Fernhill hot on the attack, though the ball was travelling down both ends of the field. Chances for goals were seen from the very start, but it wasn’t until the 7^th minute that the first goal was scored.

Andrew Breslin continued his goal scoring form as he dribbled the ball down the middle of the field and shot it towards the goal, placing it nicely past the keeper. Only two minutes later, Breslin was at it again with another attempt, but this one was swiftly blocked by Thirroul’s defence. By this stage it was evident that Fernhill was hungry for a win.

Only minutes later Fernhill’s Ryan Hunter crossed the ball to Sean Poulton who again took a shot on goal but was knocked out by Thirroul’s Joshua Williams thus resulting in a corner. Thirroul at this stage were hanging on.

On 12 minutes, Matthew Richardson created an opportunity which resulted in a huddled scramble in front of the Thirroul goal. Goalkeeper Williams attempted to keep the ball out but it was Breslin who tapped it in for his second making it a two goal lead for Fernhill.

A minute later Thirroul saw their best chance of the match as Bradley Strudwick crossed the ball to Adam Ward who, from just outside the goal area managed to tap the ball in at the far post. The score was now Fernhill 2 – Thirroul 1 after only 13 minutes.

With the rain creeping in as the game continued, the game seemed to intensify as it went on. Not only was Fernhill’s attack keen and ready for a win, so was their defence, with keeper Brad Hunter providing some fine saves as the game continued.

In the 20^th minute, Thirroul's Corey Haines-Grose crossed the ball towards the goal from half-way down the field to an awaiting Ryan Latini who headed it straight into Hunter’s arms. he should have perhaps done better with that effort.

The first half finished Fernhill 2 – Thirroul 1 and we sensed there were more goals to come in this match.

Thirroul thrived on the counter attack but it seemed that they just couldn’t finish of their plays, either fumbling or being overcome by Fernhill’s defence, which provided many missed chances.

Fernhill was still rampant in attack well into the second half as the game intensified, but Thirroul wasn’t giving up without a fight back.

It wasn’t until the 59^th minute until another promising shot on target was well taken by Fernhill. From a corner, there was a scramble that saw Williams fumble with the ball. Cody Jones was on hand to tap the ball in past the keeper.

Fernhill now led 3-1 and had a nice 32 goal buffer which on the face of it was well deserved.

Thirroul looked to immediately bounce back when a shot from Haines-Grose from a crowded penalty area saw Scott Muiluyk clear the ball virtually off the line. Only seconds later, James Townson's attempt from 20 yards out was saved well by Hunter.

Thirroul at this stage were throwing everything at Fernhill but they just couldn’t put any of their chances away. Tis also presented Fernhill with a few counter attacking opportunities themselves.

Fernhill finally put the game to bed in the 86th minute when Richardson finsihed off an easy chance to send the Foxes to Sunday's Final. 

Tuesday 14^th March, 6pm, Macedonia Park Berkeley.

Fernhill – 4 (A. Breslin 7’ 12’, C. Jones 59’, M. Richardson 86’)

Thirroul – 1 (A.Ward 13’)

Fernhill – B. Hunter, S. Poulton, J. Cesta-Incani, A. Oliver, D. White, A. Breslin, A. Keep, K. Hmda, R. Hunter, S. Muiluyk, M. Richardson

Subs – D. Morosin, C. Jones, M. Turner, L. McDonald, K. McClelland.

Thirroul – J. Williams, T. Snelgorve, C. Haines-Grose, J. Hutton, A. Ward, C. Brindle, R. Latini, T. Davidson, B. Strudwick, N. Mucki, D. Arthur.

Subs – M. Rusbourne, J. Bond, J. Bragg, C. Pickthall, J. Townson.

Referee – Stuart Bell

Report by Lauren Ferri @lauren_ferri