Inglewood edge ECU in dramatic preliminary final

Report by Tommy Doleman

Photo courtesy Xin Tu

Inglewood United advanced past ECU Joondalup 6-5 on penalties after an astonishing preliminary final of The West Australian Top Four Cup, which finished 3-3 after extra time.

ECU netted twice in the five minutes before half time but the home team rallied on the arrival of Adam Tong, who scored and then won the penalty that Woodall converted in regular time.

Bayley Brown-Montgomery looked to have given the visitors a memorable win in extra-time before Woodall levelled again after Inglewood were reduced to 10 men to send the game into a shootout.

And with the clock past 11pm and 17 spot-kicks taken, it was Jason Barrera who slotted home the winning kick to put the relieved hosts into Saturday’s Grand Final against Perth.

It was a lively opening at Inglewood Stadium as Brian Woodall’s cross-shot was cleared behind for a corner and Tommy Amphlett flashed an effort wide from the edge of the area.

Michael McDougall fired a warning shot on 20 minutes, forcing Alex Dunn into a good low save from range, while at the other end Kenny Keogh and Ash Rosindale both had headed chances.

Both sides settled, though, as the half staggered towards a goalless close, before ECU Joondalup struck two late blows five minutes before the break.

First, McDougall took advantage of the time and space in front of him to fire brilliantly into the top corner from 25m.

Moments later they doubled their lead as Daryl Nicol’s in-swinging free kick was glanced into the far corner by Paddy Doyle.

The wintery weather returned for a period early in the second half but the arrival of Tong gave Inglewood a second wind and they immediately got back in it.

Two minutes after coming onto the pitch, he latched onto a ball over the top and showed great composure to lob Lewis Italiano.

Then with 13 minutes to play there was another twist as Tong won a penalty before Woodall stepped up and blasted home from the spot.

Inglewood had all the momentum and the best chance to win it in normal time as Keogh fired into the side netting from Calum O’Connell’s corner.

The hosts did go down to 10 men, though, in extra time when Robertson tugged back Nicol’s shirt and saw a straight red card.

And ECU Joondalup capitalised soon after as Brown-Montgomery got the final touch on a terrific Andy Higgins delivery to restore the visitors lead.

Remarkably, the home side came back again and equalised with five minutes to play as Scott Witschge battled at the byline and Woodall showed great poise to level.

A dramatic shootout followed where both sides missed chances to win before Dunn saved Jayden Drummond’s kick on the ninth round of penalties.

Barrera then kept his cool to finish the decisive spot-kick and edge Inglewood United into Saturday’s final.

Inglewood United 3 (Tong 66mins, Woodall 77’pen, 115’)
ECU Joondalup 3 (McDougall 40’, Doyle 43’, Brown-Montgomery 104’)
Wednesday September 7, 2016
Inglewood Stadium
Local kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Matthew SOUTHERN

Inglewood United: GK: Alex DUNN, 3. David CYRUS, 4. Scott BLACKMORE, 6. Callum O’CONNELL, 7. Kenny KEOGH, 8. Jason BARRERA, 9. Brian WOODALL, 10. Ash ROSINDALE (12. Scott WITSCHGE 99’), 11. John MIGAS, 13. Josh PEREIRA (5. Adam TONG 64’), 18. Jason COLLI (17. Tim ROBERTSON 59’)
Substitutes not used: RGK: Alex SHIDA-LIVINGS, 20. Scott WALLIS.
Yellow Cards: Cyrus 8’, Blackmore 59’
Red Cards: Robertson 101’

ECU Joondalup: GK: Lewis ITALIANO, 2. Ryan LOWRY, 3. Rikki SMITH, 4. Steven MCGARRY, 5. Andy HIGGINS, 6. Shane PICKERING, 9. Daryl NICOL, 11. Cian HIRRELL, 13. Tommy AMPHLETT (18. Bayley BROWN-MONTGOMERY 99’), 15. Michael MCDOUGALL, 19. Paddy DOYLE (7. Jayden DRUMMOND 79’).
Substitutes not used: RGK: Todd HOYLE, 8. Oliver ANNIS, 12. Ryan MCDARBY
Yellow Cards: Doyle 31’, Nicol 90’, Brown-Montgomery 111’.
Red Cards: Nil




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Download the GameDay App!

Stay up-to-date with your favourite teams and keep an eye on your rivals by accessing the latest match results, fixtures and stats via GameDay App.

GameDay Splash Screen
App Store Google Play