GIPPSLAND Soccer League’s second week of knock out semi-finals was hosted by Trafalgar Victory under glorious spring sunshine. The Senior Women’s second versus third on the ladder fixture saw Leongatha Knights FC face off against Drouin Dragons SC in the second last game of the day. With both teams claiming a win against the other over the regular season, this promised to be a match of note.
Leongatha won the advantage of the wind in the coin toss and put good use to it with a sustained period of attack on Drouin’s defensive line. Midfielders Jordan Rinotule and captain Bernie Fitzgerald served solid through balls for the attacking line made up of recently awarded GSL B&F Naomi Eaton, Lisse Bath, Amaya Sande and Lauren Cain. Though there were several promising shots on goals, it was Bath’s through pass to super substitute Emma Harvey that saw Harvey beat her defender and secure the first goal of the match with a tidy strike under the Drouin goal keeper’s hands to thunderous applause.
The Knights entered half time with the advantage but knew the second half would be a test as they fought against the wind.
Drouin came out strong with a well-timed pass from their midfield playing their winger into a top left bin strike that secured the equaliser. Despite the wind, the possession of play was relatively even for the second half, with the Knights making some great breakthrough runs.
It was a superb corner delivered by Eaton that found the head of Drouin’s centre back who in error sent the ball into the net for an own goal.
The Knights defensive line held tight, holding onto the advantage. Shortly after the final whistle blew sending the Leongatha Knights Senior Women’s team through to the grand final for the fourth year in a row.
