Wollongong United are just one game away from winning the Fraternity Club Cup for the second successive time after they accounted for Bulli 3-0 in wet conditions.

In slippery and wet conditions, Wollongong United and Bulli FC players regularly struggled to control the ball, with many missed chances throughout the game. It was Wollongong United though who took their chances and ran out 3 goals to 0 winners in their semi final round of the Fraternity Cup at Macedonia Park.

It was a heated and intense match from the get go with both teams eager to win. The opening chance of the match came only 5 minutes in as Nick Miceski lashed a shot towards target but unfortunately it went too far to the left of the goals.

From the beginning, the ball seemed to travel down both ends of the field as the game seemed to be even in attack.

11 minutes in saw the first real opportunity for United as Daisuke Yuzawa took the ball up towards the goal as Bulli’s defence surrounded him. Yuzawa managed to rush his shot lwhich narrowly went over the post.

Only minutes later Yuzawa was proving to be a menace in attack as he was hot on the goal again with another attempt. This time, he slashed his shot wide.

A good cross from Maty Brennan offered Yuzawa yet another opportunity which he duly spurned. The home crowd at this stage were becoming a little restless. United seemed to be doing much of the attacking, however Bulli’s defence was doing a good job of keeping the hosts at bay.

The 24^th minute saw Wollongiong United hit the lead after Mikal Awad unleashed a cracker from the right which found the top left corner of the goal, flying straight over Lewis’ head.

A minute later and United made it 2-0. They were awarded a penalty which was duly convereted by Matt Floro giving United a nice buffer in what was essentailly a deserved lead.

Just 10 minutes before half time, Bulli';s Nick Miceski made a surging run down the field dodging and flying past United’s defence, but unfortunately for him, he could only place it in the arms of United’s GK - Sam Nastic.

The first half finished with Wollongong United in the lead 2-0.

The second half began with rain pouring and intensity oozing from both teams. Bulli were on the attack immediately as they were looking to get themselves back into the game however yet again missed opportunities plaugued them as United seemed to come in on the counterattack with strong defence.

It was the 66^th minute, Miceski forced a fine save from Nastic as his header was tipped away. Bulli were starting to get some rythm however it wasn't representated on the scoresheet.

A minute later, Bulli’s Dylan Lewis's attempt cleared the goal when perhaps he should have hit the target.

Angelo Hajitoffi flew down the left in a rare attack in the second half for United on 71 minutes however just as he was about to pull the trigger, he was closed down by a desperate Bulli defence.

The game suddenly got a little ugly with four yellow cards dished out in the space of ten minutes as clearly both teams were starting to get desperate.

Kenji Takahashi was a rock in defence, constantly clearing the ball from the goals for the visiting team. With rain coming down hard, it seemed to be a slippery game for both teams who were struggling to keep possession of the ball.

Wollongong United sealed the win in the 89^th minute courtesy of a neat finish from youngster Zac McLaren. He managed to run the ball down the middle of the field from about half way placing the ball into the top right corner from 20 yards.

Wollongong United saw out the remaining few minutes recording a handy 3-0 win. The win sees them play Corrimal Rangers in the Final on Sunday.

Tuesday 14^th March, 8pm, Macedonia Park Berkeley.

Wollongong United – 3 (Mikal Awad 24’, Matt Floro 26’, Zac McLaren 89’)

Bulli - 0

Wollongong United – S. Nastic, M. Awad, M. Brennan, B. Brooks, M. Floro, A. Hajitoffi, K. Michael, B. Reilly, B. Tsovolos, D. Yuzawa, B. Acev

Subs – J. Craig, Z. McLaren, K. Sekutkoski, J. Brooks, N. Ristevski

Bulli – J. Lewis, K. Jackson, K. Takahashi, K. Alali, L. Clements, R. Emerton, N. Miceski, S. Davies, D. Lewis, D. Careno, H. Callahan

Subs –Y. Kuwada, R. Gaudiosi, J. Lozenkovski, B. Hewson, I. Osbourne

Referee – Gary Smith

Assistant Referees – Lachlan Barker, Stuart Bell

Report by Lauren Ferri @lauren_ferri