Young Pythons Into Preliminary Final
Pine Hills 3 (Young 57’, 74’, Fuller 75’) Peninsula Power 1 (Whitfield 24’)
HT 1-1
Played at James Drysdale Reserve
Pine Hills are one win from a Grand Final after two stunning headers from Gemma Young propelled them to a 3-1 win over Peninsula Power in the Mt Franklin Women’s Premier League elimination semi-final in blustery conditions at James Drysdale Reserve on Saturday night. 2016 Golden Boot winner Brittany Whitfield opened the scoring for the away team in the 24th minute with a long range effort which looped over the unlucky Kathleen Page standing right in the centre of goal. Only thirteen minutes later, Gemma Young brought the Pythons back into the game with a brave back post header which also saw the number 13 flattened by a defender. The first half had been fairly even but after the break the home side dominated and Young once again netted for Hills with another remarkable header which flew back across goal and in at the far post. Power were on the rack and only one minute later the game was put to bed by Sara Fuller who finally found her range and hit a wicked strike which crashed into the crossbar on the way into goal. With a pristine surface, one of the best in Brisbane, and two knowledgeable sets of supporters following enthusiastically the stage was set for a great night’s entertainment between two teams of contrasting styles. And the on field endeavours of both sides didn’t disappoint. Pine Hills play a patient and intricate style of football. They dominated possession, continually creating space with intelligent switches of play, and only really let themselves down with too much shooting from long range when they needed a critical pass in behind. But that’s nitpicking, because they fully deserved their win and on this performance must fancy themselves to knock off Annerley next weekend and book a place in the Grand Final. Peninsula were committed and dedicated themselves, to getting the ball to their striking duo of Whitfield and Melissa Feuerriegel. Chances were created but neither had their shooting boots on for this one. Women’s football continues to grow in Brisbane and the size of the crowd would at least equal the size of games going on tonight on the other side of the gender divide. It was a great advertisement for the game and special mention must go to the ground staff at James Drysdale Reserve. That pitch was magnificent. FB Media Player Of The Match: RB Sarah Nisbet - Pine Hills
The Pythons style of play relies on having players like Patten whose passing accuracy is impeccable and who can get forward from deep when necessary. She took some heavy challenges but still controlled the centre of the park.
Team line-ups
Pine Hills: Page, S.Nisbet, Bryant, Lloyd, O’Halloran, Sherman, Murray, Nichols, Young, Fuller, Doyle. Peninsula Power: Smith, Brotherston, Henderson, Wilson, Phillips, Watt, Patten, Kuilder, Feuerriegel, Whitfield. Subs: C.Johnston, K.Johnston, Litchfield, Woods.
Referee: Ben English
