Elizabeth Downs 4 v Ghan Kilburn 2

The football on display in this semi-final was a fitting exemplar of the quality within this competition, the quality was only matched by the vigour, determination, and passion of both sides. Neither willing to give the other an inch, tempers flared at times but overall, it was a showcase of attacking flair that had those in the stands on the edge of their seats.

Elizabeth Downs showed why they have been so dominant all year. They were able to hold on in tough moments defensively, whilst being devastating in front of goal. The tempo they were playing at made things extremely difficult for The Ghan – but Ghan were also electrifying, and if it weren’t for the post, they could’ve found themselves ahead. The pace and power in which they attacked was impressive.

As for the game, it was Downs who got on the front foot first through their talismanic winger Braiden Gundlach, who got on the end of McGreevy’s header and calmly buried the ball into the bottom left corner.

Then it was the captain’s turn to contribute, as Sam Watson lifted a ball across the six-yard box – which was met by Scott Lindsay who put his body on the line to head Downs to a two-goal advantage.

Ghan replied immediately, as a wonderous through ball found its way to Brima Kamara, who did not stop all day,  he took a great first touch and finished it off nicely, 2-1.

Some inspired midfield play saw Bailey Truscott with the ball on the edge of the box, who opted for the unselfish option of putting his teammate Josh Farrell through on goal, who in turn provided some composure and placed the ball into the bottom right corner, 3-1.

Then it was the veteran striker Shaun McGreevy who showed class is permanent with his late strike. After a long throw in, he flicked the ball up to himself and with absolute poise and precision, bicycle kicked the ball into the roof of the net. Surrounded by defenders, McGreevy had no right to finish it, a moment of class from one of Downs’ best – 4-1.

Brima Kamara would be put through once again in the dying embers of the game, his consolation goal made the final score 4-2.

Downs will take on Tea Tree Gully in what promises to be an electrifying Challenge Cup Grand Final.

Para Hills East 2 v Tea Tree Gully 3

Despite a strong start from Easties, Gully were able to get a foothold on this game relatively early, controlling the play for large periods of the game. Their physicality and aerial prowess has been a feature of their cup campaign so far, as well as their ability to move the ball quickly and efficiently to open up space for their rapid attack.

Seb Tonkin got Easties off to the perfect start in the 18^th minute, powering a header home off a Brad Ballentine curling corner. They had their chances sporadically throughout the first half, but it seemed it was Gully who were in the ascendancy.

They would soon be rewarded, with Dylan Lamerton rising above the pack just before half time – with his well-placed header on the by-line beating Easties’ keeper and getting his side on level terms prior to the break. 

A perfect finish to the first half was coupled with a perfect start to the second, as Gully scored immediately after a grandiose Dylan Rocca through ball found its way to Jacob Williams. Williams was a complete game changer for the Gully, causing headaches constantly for the Easties defence – he made no mistake with this chance, calmly placing his first-time volley into the bottom right corner.

Twenty minutes later it was Alottey’s turn. After a blistering counterattack, Gully found themselves in a two versus one situation. They played it perfectly, and Billy Allotey found himself with an open goal, 3-1.

From here Para Hills East tried to rally and were able to create chances. They did manage to break down the Gully defence one last time through substitute Bailey Baeker, but it ultimately fell short of what they needed to progress to the final.

Final score 3-2 to the Gully, who will take on Downs in the final.