Red & White-wash as four Barnstoneworth sides win their semis
TUSSLE : A 3-1 win by Barnstoneworth United over Miltlhorpe in over 35s has sent the red-and-whites into the grand final.
Orange’s Barnstoneworth United football club are celebrating a milestone with all four sides winning their semi on Saturday.
In the over 35s major semi, a first half penalty from Andy Holmes gave United the 1-0 lead at half-time over Millthorpe Tigers.
Tigers pressured early in the second and a goal on the counter-attack was turned down after an off-side ruling.
The two sides settled in to grinding arm-wrestle with a series of shots from both sides sent wide.
The breakthrough came when a flying shot from United winger Marty Felice was blocked but not collected by the Tigers keeper. Wes MIller followed-up to find the back of the net and make it 2-0.
Tigers stayed in the match, responding seconds later. United keeper Matt Savaro was forced to come out to block a driving run. A quick centre ball found David Wells waiting, to make it 2-1.
United built their pressure in the last ten minutes with four players peppering the Tigers goal. The clincher came when a cracking shot from Marty Felice rebounded off the cross bar, into the path of Wes Miller who buried his shot, sending United into the Grand Final.
United’s club-mates Denley Moor have found form at season’s end, defeating last year’s premiers Gladdyatahs 2-1 in the elimination semi on Saturday.
In Denley’s first win over Gladdies all season, the opening goal came after a neat cut-back pass from Denley attacker Harley Smith. Midfielder Nick Hyndes took his time finding the top-left hand corner of the net, giving Gladdies keeper Troy Campbell no chance.
The equaliser came in the closing seconds of the first half. A busting shot from Gladdies defender Andy Bobbin was deflected high into the air. Forward Matt Duffy pounced when the ball hit the ground, sending it flying past keeper Pat Driver.
Injuries took their toll on the Gladdies side with a number of key players limping into the second half. Just as extra time beckoned a touch-line cross from Denley midfielder Dave Gibson floated over the keeper to find Harley Smith waiting for a well-placed header.
In next week’s final, Denley will be looking to keep up their new found possession play in the face of Millthorpe’s skilled attackers and midfield at 1.15 at Brabham Stadium.
A Grade
Last year’s A-Grade All-age premiers Barnstoneworth United kept up their recent solid form with a confidence-building 4-1 win over Waratahs FC in Saturday’s elimination minor semi, a re-match of the 2016 grand final.
Forward Luke Masotti opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a blast from the top of the box that found the top corner of the net.
Tahs responded with a Craig Sugden header, but a double from Masotti and a goal from Mitch Jacobs made it 3-1 at the break.
The fourth came from a penalty after Jacobs was felled in the box. Max Drione made no mistake to deliver the 4-1 result.
The side faces Millthorpe at Bernie Stedman field at 3pm on Saturday.
B-Grade
Barnstoneworth United’s season-long undefeated streak showed no signs of an upset after a 5-0 win over Ex-Services FC.
Two goals from Jeremy Boulton and one each from Ben Parker, Jacob Boulton and Nathan Blandford secured the win, sending the side into the grand final.
