Belconnen United 1 (Matt Grbesa 73’) def. Tigers FC 0

A narrow home win tightened Belconnen United’s grip on a major semi-final spot and ended Tigers FC’s hopes of playing finals for 2017.

Matt Grbesa’s second half goal was enough to give the hosts three points in a scrappy encounter and lift them into outright second on the table. 

The game got off to a patchy start as visiting goalkeeper Francis Bangweni appeared to cramp up a number of times, and was replaced by Jack Miller early on in the match. Michael Kita went down behind play not long after as well and was substituted, leaving Tigers in an awkward position with only one replacement remaining for the next 70 minutes. 

The visitors had a good chance just before the half hour mark that was cut short by an offside decision, and Thomas James looked dangerous for them whenever he touched the ball, forcing Finn Jurak into a good save minutes later. 

Neither side held back in their tackles, with the game slowed down by constant whistling of fouls and the contest threatened to escalate at times but was kept in check well.

Jason Ugrinic had a big chance for United on the cusp of half-time, but substitute keeper Miller continued a stellar performance with a good save to keep his side level headed into the interval. 

Ugrinic looked dangerous on the other side of half-time too as he made headway into the box, but United were still unable to find a way through as the emotion in the match went up a notch. 

And with just under 20 minutes to go, Tigers woes were compounded as they were reduced to ten men following Bradley Moore’s red card. That dismissal proved costly two minutes later; a Belconnen corner floated in from the left found Grbesa and his looping header went back across goal and into the far corner to take the lead. 

Tigers were forced to chase the game but struggled having already gone a man down, and were unable to find an equaliser as a fiery encounter petered out. Tigers will look to finish their season strong at home to Woden-Weston next weekend, while United can seal second place when they take on the FFA Centre of Excellence on Saturday.