Southern and Ettalong United defeated by Gosford City

Southern and Ettalong United were defeated by Gosford City in the Central Coast Women's League grand final.

The final was played at Central Coast Stadium on September 7 and saw the final two teams go head-to-head.

The opening half proving as tight as most expected, according to Central Coast Football online editor Mr Lachlan Herd.

In a half that saw both sides create chances, neither were able to find the back of the net with Ettalong probably enjoying the better of the first half opportunities, he said.

"The sides returned from the half-time break full of energy with many in the crowd anticipating goals in the second period given the attacking quality on show in both line-ups.

"After just 10 second half minutes, Gosford City looked to have taken the lead after top-scorer Brittni Nicol was played through on goal before taking a touch and finishing confidently past Bec Arnfield in the Ettalong goal only for the effort to be ruled out for a close offside call.

"Nicol, however, wasn't made to wait long for her 18th goal of the season as she opened the scoring in similar circumstances to her earlier strike, giving the Dragons a 1-0 lead around the hour mark.

"With the side struggling with injuries in the lead up to the final, Ettalong were dealt another blow as golden boot winner Tahlor Thackray appeared to be struck down with cramp in the second half as her side looked to chase an equaliser.

"Ettalong's task was made all the more difficult mid-way through the second period as Gosford City doubled their lead, with 2018 golden boot winner Jessica Dominello firing past Arnfield to send the Dragons portion of the crowd into raptures as their side edged closer to back-to-back titles.

"Despite their best efforts to salvage a result, it became clear that luck just wasn't on the Lionesses side as they hit the woodwork on a number of occasions throughout Saturday's clash emphasising the fine margins that often decide these big matches.

"Ultimately, Gosford City prevailed 2-0 winners on the night with celebrations sure to have continued into the early hours of Sunday morning after securing back-to-back titles, a remarkable effort given the player turnover from the 2018 decider."

SOURCE:

Website, 11 Sep 2019

Lachlan Herd, Central Coast Football