A Jenna Kingsley double helped Sydney University to a 3-2 win over Macarthur Rams in their Premier League elimination final at J.J. Kelly Park on Saturday and a minor semi-final meeting with Marconi Stallions.
Sydney University are treading the sudden death path to a title after finishing fifth on the ladder at the end of the competition proper. Illawarra Stingrays won the minor premiership, with NSW Koalas, Marconi Stallions, Macarthur Rams and the University making up the top five.
The Koalas accounted for the Stallions 2-nil on Saturday, thanks to a double from former Matilda Jo Burgess, to earn a major semi-final tilt with the Stingrays, while Kingsley’s double and a goal from Samantha Spackman kept University’s hopes alive.
But it was heart-stopping affair at J.J. Kelly Park after Sydney University had started strongly, with Spackman giving them the lead in the 22nd minute.
However, Stephanie Haim equalised for Macarthur in the 33rd minute and the two sides went to the break at 1-1.
Kingsley put Sydney University up 2-1 in the 69th minute and they looked destined to hold on until full-time. But with their season on the line, Rams defender Claire Walsh had other ideas and slotted a 92nd minute equaliser to send the match into extra time.
Kingsley was on the spot again in the 110th minute to put University back in front; a lead they managed maintain until the welcome final whistle.
The University did it tough after losing defender Alesha Clifford when she received a second yellow card in the second half. Macarthur had a host of chances, giving the post and cross bar a thorough testing.
However, where they failed to take their opportunities University didn’t and they live to walk the tightrope again this weekend. The University Under 12s are also still alive in their competition after finishing third on the ladder.
Meanwhile, the men’s Under 20 team is also on course for a title in the Super League after wrapping up the minor premiership.
They will have this weekend off while Spirit FC, St George FC, Hills Brumbies and Central Coast FC contest elimination finals.
Scoreboard
Women’s Premier League – Elimination final
Sydney University 3 (Samantha Spackman 22m, Jenna Kingsley 69m/110m) d Macarthur Rams 2 (Stephanie Haim 33m, Claire Walsh 92m) at Lynwood Park.
NSW Men’s Super League – Round 19 rescheduled match
Under 20: Fraser Park FC 5 d Sydney University 1. (Sydney University won minor premiership – through to major semi-final.)
Super Youth League – Round 26
Under 18: Dulwich Hill SC 2 d Sydney University 1.
Under 16: Sydney University 1 d Dulwich Hill SC 0. (Finished fifth and through to elimination final.)
Under 15: Sydney University 2 d Dulwich Hill SC 0. (Finished second and through to elimination final.)
Under 14: Sydney University 3 d Dulwich Hill SC 1. (Finished second and through to elimination final.)
Under 13: Sydney University 2 d Dulwich Hill SC 0.
