Second Half Showing Sees Lions Into Grand Final
Lions FC 3 (Fetahagic 63’, Jomanday 79’, 83’) Mitchelton 2 (McVey 21’, Sarasol 90+3)
HT 0-1
Played at CJ Greenfield Park
Lions FC returned from their recent slump in spectacular style when they turned on the second half afterburners and thumped Mitchelton 3-2 in the major semi-final at CJ Greenfield Park on Sunday afternoon. With a Canale Cup win fresh in their minds, the Mustangs were predicted to make a big impact and after a solid start took the lead through an excellent free kick from Josh McVey who was their best on the day. By the time the break arrived it was obvious Lions were on top so it was no surprise when Ajdin Fetahagic arrived at a set-piece and powered home an equalising header in the 63rd minute. If Mitchelton were playing deep to defend a result it certainly didn’t work as Lions dominated statistics and put the nail into the coffin with the introduction of Sekou Jomanday who scored twice with headers from the right hand side of the penalty box, the second being an excellent decision from the near side assistant referee. Gabriel Sarasol scored a late, late goal which was never going to be anything more than a consolation and Lions ran away with a 3-2 win which flattered the away team. In blustery first half conditions, it seemed as if a real contest was going to eventuate as Mitchelton committed themselves to matching their opponents but the opportunities to score were few and far between and, despite not looking great, Lions were making regular forward entries into the box. The transfer of venues owing to construction at Lions Stadium meant a much narrower surface than the Champions are used to at home, but once they got used to it the central players, especially Marco Jankovic and Brodie Kenyon, controlled the contested balls and pushed forward whenever they were able. Lions head into the Grand Final with a week off which isn’t ideal but surely won’t bother them. If anyone had forgotten why they won the league weeks ago, they gave them a timely reminder with a performance worthy of the Champions. Mitchelton must lick their wounds and look forward to their fourth high pressure match in a row when they go up against Holland Park Hawks at Teralba Park next weekend. They have beaten them twice this season but will need to be much better than they were today if they are to have another shot at Lions in the Grand Final.
FB Media Player Of The Match: CM Marco Jankovic - Lions FC It was tight in the middle of the park and Jankovic revelled in the contest, winning tackles and controlling the ball brilliantly on an uneven surface. Team line-ups Lions FC: Zabaks, Takahashi, Fetahagic, Fujitani, Shepherd, Jankovic, Reardon, Gaffney, Butters, Kenyon, Diaz. Subs: Cosgrove, Moon, Cokell, Murphy. Mitchelton: Downes, Stubbins, Shade, Willoughby, Carseldine, Greibsch, Mitchell, Sarasol. Griffin, McVey, Lloyd. Subs: Yoshikoshi, Lawson, Kleibo, Rezaee, Wenck. FB Media Match Stats.
Possession: 1st Half 50% - 50% / 2nd Half 54% - 46% Overall Possession: 52% - 48% Shots on target: 10 - 5 Shots off target: 11 - 5 Penalties 0 - 0 Free kicks: 19 - 16 Offside: 0 - 3 Corners: 8 - 3 Yellow Cards: 3 - 3 Red Cards: 0 - 0 Referee: John Vasiliadis
