Fire Women Adavance In Semi-Final
Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Sam Attwood/Sunshine Coast FC
Sunshine Coast Women scored in the 117th minute to advance past Peninsula Power Women 1-0 in an Elimination Semi-Final at Kawana Sports Precinct on Sunday.
Sofie Persson’s strike deep into extra-time decided a hard-fought contest, with Fire now set to meet Palm Beach SC Women for the right to play The Gap Women in the Grand Final.
Both teams entered the match on a high having recorded impressive victories in the first week of the Finals Series.
Persson hit a hattrick for Fire in their 4-1 win over UQFC Women and looked most likely around the 20-minute mark, first shooting into the side-netting before nearly linking up with strike partner Samara Christmas.
Christmas got on the end of Jessica Davy’s corner five minutes from half-time but her header failed to trouble Jess Scicluna.
In-form Power captain Brittany Whitfield caused trouble both sides of the break as she forced a save from Fire ‘keeper Katie Offer within a minute of the restart.
Power continued to grow into the match and almost snatched the lead with around 10 minutes remaining when Brieanna Watt drove into the area for a one-on-one, only for Offer to intervene.
Fire had one final chance to win it in normal time but, after Persson’s initial dribble, Christmas misdirected the follow-up attempt.
After surviving more Power pressure throughout extra-time, Fire eventually prevailed with just three minutes to play as Persson won possession, drove at goal and lifted her finish over the onrushing Scicluna.
The Swede's 23rd goal of the season sealed Fire’s passage into the Preliminary Final, just one match shy of the decider.
Speaking after the match, Persson explained her delight at staying alive in the Finals Series.
“It was a good fight like it always is against Pen Power. It was hard out there but it felt so good to make the goal at the other end,” she said.
Power coach Gary Ellis labelled the match a “typical Semi-Final” and said defeat did not affect his pride in the team.
“It was high intensity. Unlucky here tonight (but) I’m really happy with our girls’ performances since I’ve been at the club,” Ellis said.
Sunshine Coast FC Women 1 (Sofie PERSSON 117’)
Peninsula Power FC Women 0
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