Centrals v International

International has proven too good for Centrals once again claiming a comfortable 1-3 win away from home in the penultimate round of the home and away season of the Barry Maney Group Limestone Coast Premier League.

The win also has International wrap up the minor premiership for 2023, however finals are still to come meaning the side must stay focused in its remaining fixture.

The match got off to the right start for Centrals with the ever dangerous goal threat Sam Shoemark once again putting his name into the scorebook within five minutes of the starting whistle.

With the early lead Centrals had the momentum, but the side knew there was still a long way to go and keeping the most destructive attack in the league out would be no easy feat.

It would not take long for said attack to break through and equalise with Dan Allwright providing the equaliser.

Allwright beat the keeper again just two minutes later, quickly turning the match in internationals favour.

Centrals’ attack could not break though Inter’s defence for the rest of the half.

With second place on the line, an incredibly important second half for Centrals started in a disastrous fashion with a penalty in the 54th minute.

Mathew Bueti stepped up to the spot and convert the goal with ease, and International went clear with two goals.

Centrals were unable to beat the International defence and remained scoreless for the entire second half.

The final whistle confirmed the 1 – 3 result in Internationals favour.

International will now face Naracoorte in the final match, while Centrals will need to beat Blue Lake in hopes of a top two spot.


Apollo v Blue Lake

Apollo’s trip down the road to Blue Lake has been a success with the Blue and White coming away with the three points and jumping back up to second on the ladder.

It is an important win in the context of Apollo’s season as it now sits in a double chance position on the table with one round remaining in the home and away season.

Goals were nowhere to be seen early, but the deadlock was eventually broken when Apollo’s Jakob Hann beating the keeper and taking the lead in the 38th minute.

Blue Lake came out in the second half with purpose and created many early chances.

Their breakthrough came courtesy of a corner which they converted into an equaliser.

Meereh Htoo gabe the Rangers fresh hope of taking the three points in the 54th minute.

However, Apollo’s response came quickly with the visitors taking back the lead less than 10 minutes later.

The goal came from Pah Ni, whose strike beat the Blue Lake keeper with ease, giving his side the advantage.

The high intensity of the match continued, with Blue Lake equalising yet again a minute after Pah Ni had taken back the lead.

The match was in its final half hour and both sides were desperate to find the winner.

Apollo were eyeing off second spot and knew a win would get it there.

The dangerous Gay Nay Say Ler would step up when his side needed him to and find the back of the net in the 77th minute.

Say Ler’s 12th goal of the season had Apollo one goal in front in the dying moments and it was enough for the Blue and White to claim the three points.

Apollo now faced Millicent in the final home and away match with a win guaranteeing a second chance in the finals, Blue Lake can not afford any mistakes now with the side set to finish fourth ahead of its final match against Centrals.


Naracoorte v Millicent

Naracoortre jumps from bottom place on the ladder with one round remaining after a tight win over fellow cellar dwellers Millicent.

Going into the match Millicent were heavy favourites after its 6 -1 win the last time the sides met it was expected that Naracoorte would be confirmed for the wooden spoon.

However the side came out fighting and managed to take the three points.

The match was high action early with a goal coming 11 minutes into the match, Sayed Irfan Musavi put Naracoorte in front with a well placed strike and gave the team an early confidence boost.

Millicent counter attacked attempting to find an equaliser, but had no luck up until the 37th minute when it won a penalty.

Juan Ignacio Fernandez would convert the spot kick with ease, levelling the score on the cusp of half time.

After half time Naracoorte would fare better than Millicent and five minutes into the half would take back the lead.

Netiphong Khotama’s 50th minute goal gave Naracoorte a great deal of momentum which the Yellow and Black dealt with well.

Millicent worked tirelessly to find a leveller throughout the second half, and Naracoorte’s defence kept the attack out.

Naracoorte held on for the narrowest of margin claiming the three points and confirming a wooden spoon for Millicent.

Millicent has a tough week to finish off its season as it takes on second placed Apollo.

However it will be no easier a round for Naracoorte, which faces International at Casidio Park.