Traralgon City goes into its semi final match versus league powerhouse Churchill United on Sunday brimming with confidence after an outstanding finish to the season. 

In the last month the Roosters have handed out soccer lessons to Fortuna, Olympians and Newborough-Yallourn and were only narrowly beaten by the Rams 1-0 when they last met in round 16.

City coach Tommy Leckey will look to strikers Mark Fairbrother and John Kuol to link up with midfield play maker Dustin Moos for the edge in the sudden death clash.

Down back City has developed a solid defensive unit headed up by Robert Speir and Manny Askew and with the experience of Adam and Andrew Batt in the squad Churchill will find it difficult to break them down.

The Rams come into the match in similar form having comprehensively dispatched fancied opposition during the same period.

Churchill will be at full strength and coach Luke Cheney will have some head aches at the selection table.

Cheney and strike partner Jesse Kennedy are in red hot form and with Taylor Jackson and Kwaku Dade hitting the lines they will be difficult to contain.

Defensively Churchill are the best in the business anchored by the twin towers at centre back Jamie Robson and Aiden Huizer and with big ‘keeper Jason Sands they have only conceded 11 goals for the entire season.

The Rams will hold the advantage in the middle of the park with Nathan Lugton, Tim Dawson and Mitchell Jackson all excellent play makers which should see the league champions eventually prevail in a tight encounter.

Close encounter anticipated

Fortuna will host Sale in the other semi final with honours even this year with a win each in the league.

Sale ended an eighteen year hoodoo versus the Orange Lions at home at the start of May but was brought back down earth with a thud away in round 13 soundly beaten 4-0.

The Swans will take comfort in the knowledge that they were under manned on that occasion missing big striker Jon Piefke and glove man Chris Richardson.

Fortuna has great striking ability with George Fkaris and captain Josh Tanti headlining their attack.

Both Sale and Fortuna’s defensive units have shown vulnerability this season so it will be interesting to see which team can stand up to the pressure.

This match will be won in the midfield with both sides boasting exciting playmakers.

Fortuna has the combination of flair and experience with David O’Dowd, Owen Kelly, Hayden Tanti and Joel Baldwin combining well.

Whilst Sale youngsters Tom Nguyen, Ashley Ross and Callum Clancy have been very impressive and make this match too close to call.

GSL Finals Series Premiership

2 v 3 Semi Finals

Saturday September 8

Crinigan Rd Sth Reserve, Morwell

Second Division Men 11.00am    Traralgon City vs Churchill United

Reserve Men 1.00pm                Traralgon Olympians vs Fortuna 60

Senior Women 3.00pm              Fortuna 60 vs Tyers

Youth Men 5.00pm                  Traralgon City vs Falcons 2000

 Senior Men 7.30pm                 Fortuna 60 vs Sale United

 

1 v 4 Semi Finals

Sunday September 9

Monash Reserve, Newborough

Second Division Men 10.00am (pitch 2)   Trafalgar Victory vs Morwell Pegasus

 Reserve Men 10.00am (pitch 1)              Trafalgar Victory vs Traralgon City

 

Burrage Reserve, Newborough

Senior Women 10.30am         Churchill United vs Newborough-Yallourn

Youth Men 12.30pm              Churchill United vs Monash

Senior Men 2.30pm               Churchill United vs Traralgon City