Thrilling Thirds!



Thursday 13 September 2012

Thrilling Thirds!

Friday night saw a game between Douglas United and Marlin Coast in the FNQ Football Third Division at Marlin Coast. The game would end in very dramatic circumstances with Douglas United progressing to the grand final.

The game started well for Douglas as they knocked the ball around and forced some early chances. It was one of those early chances that was taken by Douglas striker Adam Wright. Adam produced a cute near post finish after great work in behind by Eugene Brown.

Marlin Coast, to their credit, then started to look more dangerous as they grew into the game. Douglas would be put on the back foot by Marlin Coast for pretty much the rest of the first half.

Marlin Coast then produced a goal from a set piece with a well-timed header to bring the game level at 1-1. This is how the teams would go in at the half.

In the second half both teams would be guilty of missing gilt-edged chances. Marlin Coast unable to take advantage of some sloppy Douglas defending as they missed two one-on-one chances.

Then it would be the turn of Douglas to miss a chance as Adam Wright, clean through on goal, would run the ball into the keeper. The second half would end tied at 1-1 meaning the game would enter the thirty minute extra time period.

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Extra time would start well for Douglas as Daniel Ferrero hit the inside of the post for Douglas the rebound falling for James Turner who somehow blazed the ball over the bar.

Only minutes later Daniel was at it again when some great play got him in to position to shoot again, however the outcome would be the same when he would hit the inside of the post again to keep the game at 1-1 with time running out.

Then a moment that had people in disbelief. - a corner for Douglas would find its way to the edge of the box to Daniel Ferrero. He would hit the ball on the turn, it went through the air looking like it would hit the back of the net but somehow for the third time in extra time it would hit the inside of the post again!

The game would come to a close at 1-1 which would mean it would have to be decided by penalties. Douglas knew chances had been there to win the game in extra time but luck had not been on their side. They would hope it would find its way to them for the shootout.

The first Marlin Coast player would step up only to see his penalty saved by Douglas keeper Heath Melton. That would mean if all five Douglas players would hold their nerve and score they would be through to the grand final.

The first four players up for Douglas would be Joe Fox, Ben Syrett, Nick Despres and Eugene Brown, who would not only hold their nerve but produce some high quality penalties.

So the final penalty for a place in the grand final would land at the feet of Douglas player Ash Woods. Ash would superbly hold his nerve and book Douglas a place in the grand final.

The Paddy's Irish Bar Man of the match award would go to Neil Burcombe who was at the top of his game for one hundred and twenty minutes.

The grand final will be played this Friday at Endeavour Park against Dimbulah with kick off at 8:45pm.