WALLIS Lake has moved one step closer to their third consecutive grand final appearance with a 4-2 win over Port Saints at Boronia Park this weekend.
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Depth is the key to a successful premier league squad and Wallis Lake proved their squad is ready for any challenge the competition throws its way.
Captain Beau Wynter and central midfield partner Griffen Prestwidge were both ruled out with suspensions for the opening major semi.
Young gun Kaine Morgan and Matt Dowie stepped in and made the midfield their own against the saints. Morgan’s strong defence and Dowie’s attacking football complemented each other.
Wallis Lake had the better of the first half moving the ball around well and creating plenty of chances. Striker Roan Whiteman looked threatening every time he had the ball.
The big striker turning his man on a number of occasions in the early stages and was unlucky not to open the score.
The opening goal came from one of Whiteman’s brilliant foot work rounding his marker and slashing a shot across the goal and into the post where it fell to striking partner Peter Master-Antonio’s feet, who thumped the ball past the keeper.
Wallis Lake kept the pressure on after the early goal shortly after scored their second.
Once again, Whiteman caused the trouble for the saints.
Whiteman again left his marker in his wake to find space high and wide on the top of the box allowing him to loft a cheeky shot into the top far corner.
Much like when the two teams met three weeks ago an early 2-0 lead can easily slip against the keen Port Saints.
The Saints worked themselves back into the game towards the end of the second half.
A Saints player fouled at the top of the 18 yard box gave them the goal they had probed for.
Rather than a Saints player hitting the free kick, the ball was squared up and a lofted shot caught keeper Tynan Leahy off guard and went into the top corner.
Shortly after a similar situation gave Wallis Lake thier own chance just outside the Saints’ box.
Reyne Black curled the ball in and Wallis Lake went to the break at 3-1.
The Saints put Wallis Lake on the back foot in the second half.
Their attacking midfielder/winger was constantly probing Wallis Lake’s defence.
However, stoppers Debrinket and Ohma were solid in defence and proved a real force at the back for Wallis Lake.
Saints would pull a goal back when a ball was not cleared properly gave the Saints a chance to volley the ball home.
At 3-2 the pace of the game was frantic and tempers flared as stand in captain Master-Antonio received his second yellow card for the day reducing the home team to 10 men at 20 minutes left of play.
Reserve grade captain Sam Ravell entered the game for Morgan.
Ravell’s tireless work and talk really got Wallis Lake settled despite losing a man.
Now the only striker, Whiteman’s job was made difficult.
However, a clumsy challenge brought down Whiteman in the box.
The penalty was awarded and Whiteman made no mistake putting the ball hard and high into the roof of the net.
At 4-2, Wallis Lake defended their lead to hold onto the win.
With a lot of injury time added it felt like an eternity for the full time whistle to come.
The win takes Wallis Lake to Camden Haven this week with first grade playing the Redbacks and reserve grade facing up against the Kempsey Saints.
Both games are grand final qualifying major semi finals with the winners earning a week off and a spot in the grandfinal at Port Regional Stadium.
There will be a player/supporter coach leaving from Boronia at around 10am on Saturday for anybody interested in helping support the boys.
For any inquiries go to the Wallis Lake Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wallis.fc.