Palerang United Women took on the top placed ANU in their semi final last weekend and the leagues two best defensive teams fought a tough competitive match. ANU boasted with the best keeper in the league who had only conceded 7 goals all season. Palerang United were keen albeit nervous heading into the game knowing that they were a good chance of causing an upset and head into their third final in a row.
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With the heavy rain during the week causing a venue change from Harrison to Nicholls Palerang United were forced to play on an unfamiliar synthetic pitch. The speedy surface saw the game start with plenty of throw ins and restarts from goal kicks as both teams struggled to time their passes and keep the ball in play. Twenty five minutes in though a true arm wrestle of a contest had developed as both teams thwarted each others attacks on goal. Leith Collard was outstanding at sweeper and was marshalling her backline well as ANU struggled to penetrate Palerang United’s defence. Lauren Campbell and Tamika Murphy were marked heavily up front and were limited to only a handful of half chances on goal in the first half. Half time came and went and the score was still nil all however Palerang United were confident that the ANU attack would continue to struggle in front of goal. Fifteen minutes into the second half a free kick was awarded around 25 metres out from goal and Matilda Corby’s shot on goal skimmed the crossbar narrowly missing.
This seemed to jolt ANU into action as the games speed picked up with more broken phases of play but some very good keeping from Phoebe Lang kept the score locked up at nil all with only ten minutes to go. Lauren Turner, Callie Bolitho, Neridah McMinn and Julie Osarek all played with fantastic commitment and with only minutes to go Palerang United went lose to scoring but the shot flew past the edge of the ANU goal.
The game finished at 0-0 and extra time of two 10 minute halves were to be played out. The restart of play saw Palerang United see more shots on goal but the ANU keeper was having an excellent game. As the first half of extra time drew to an end ANU had their best chance on goal but Jaye Coble was brilliant in goals and managed to keep the shot out. The second half of extra time started with a flurry of shots from both teams but Palerang United were looking the stronger as the final minutes played out. With only 2 minutes left Palerang United had two fantastic chances on goal but the ANU keeper once again was outstanding pulling off two screaming saves to keep them in the game. Even the referee commented on how she couldn’t believe we didn’t score as she blew full time on the game and an epic battle would be decided with a penalty shootout. Palerang United won the toss and elected to have first kick but unfortunately Lauren Campbells shot was saved. ANU score with their first shot to take the lead.
Matilda Corby hit the left upright and the ball deflected away from the goal. ANU scored from their second shot to take a 2-0 lead. Phoebe Lang stepped up and buried the ball into the net to get Palerang United on the score sheet. ANU scored from their third shot on goal but Jaye Coble almost pushed the ball wide as she got a big piece of it but ANU now led 3-1.
Tamika Murphy had to score to keep Palerang’s chances alive and score she did. Easily slamming the ball past the ANU keeper the sore was now 3-2 to ANU. If ANU scored from their next shot they would win the game. The ANU striker struck the ball hard and it shot straight over the cross bar. Score was 3-2 to ANU and Palerang needed to score with their fifth shot to keep the game alive. Leith Collard stepped up to the spot nervously and unfortunately had her shot saved which saw ANU win the Semi Final 3-2 on penalties.
Palerang United were devastated but can hold their heads up high taking the top team to the edge of defeat but missing out by just 2 kicks of the ball. It has been a joy being involved with this great bunch of people and it should be just as much fun next season! Great season Ladies!
Palerang United Men Take On ANU Under Lights
Last weeks match was a wash out due to the fields being closed after the soggy week of rain but Palerang United still manage to have enough points to finish the season in fourth spot. This will see the men take on ANU Blue in the Semi Final under lights at the AIS this Wednesday night. Each game
against Blue this season has only been decided by 1 goal so the men are in with a realistic chance of an upset. Good Luck fellas!
