Two best teams met at James Brown Oval
The two best teams of Men's Premier League soccer this season, Southern and Ettalong United and Killarney District, met for the match of round 10 at James Brown Oval on Sunday, June 18.
With just the one point separating the two sides, both sides needed a win.
Ultimately, Killarney would win 2-1 and take all three points and extend their lead on top of the ladder to four points.
The first half was an even contest as both defences were on top of their game, denying any chances the opposition attack could mount.
The home side looked extremely dangerous from multiple long throw-ins from Lion's captain Todd Balneaves, but the Terrier's defence and goalkeeper dealt with this accordingly.
After the first 45 minutes, the deadlock could not be broken by either side and the two teams headed into the sheds with the score locked at nil-all.
The start of the second half played out similarly to the first as both teams created chances, searching for that crucial opening goal.
The game got its first goal in the 60th minute after Southern were awarded a free kick.
Free-kick specialist and left-foot wizard Jacob Lepre fired the ball under the wall and beat the opposition keeper down low to give Southern a 1-0 lead.
It took the league leaders and defending league champions just five minutes to hit back.
A play down the right ended with Andy Klijn going down in the box and the referee awarding a penalty to the visitors despite protests from the home side.
Andy converted for his side to take the game back on level terms at one-all.
With only five minutes left to play, another Killarney attack ended with a player being brought down in the box as the official pointed to the spot once again.
This time Harry Fountain stepped up for Killarney.
Being made to re-take his first penalty shot, after someone encroached into the area, he calmly finished for a second time, giving Killarney a 2-1 lead.
Southern tried their best to salvage a point for the fixture but it would not be their day.
Match official was Anthony Kabbout.
SOURCE:
Website, 19 Jun 2023
Central Coast Football