WALLIS Lake will be chasing a third successive Football Mid North Coast Premier League title on Saturday in the grand final against Macleay Valley to be played at the Harry Elliott Oval at Tuncurry.
Macleay Valley Rangers advanced to the match after an enthralling battle at Dangar Street in Kempsey against Port United. The game was decided in a penalty shootout with Rangers progressing after a 5-4 result.
Rangers and United met in week one of the finals, also at Dangar Street when the scores were locked 2-2 at full time after a late goal to Rangers, before the home side scored twice in extra time for a 4-2 victory. There was a similar story in the final when a late goal squared the score at 2-2, although this time it was United who grabbed it to force extra time.
A red card to Rangers right on full time meant they went in to extra time a man down, however, United couldn’t make use of that advantage in the extra 20 minutes and the match went into a penalty shootout.
It was a case of déjà vu from 2014 when the sides met in the final, also at Dangar Street, also finishing 2-2 and also requiring a penalty shootout. That day went the way of United 7-6 after 12 penalties each. On this occasion, Rangers exacted revenge with a 5-4 win via the penalty spot after both sides had six attempts.
Macleay Valley will now travel to Harry Elliott Oval in Tuncurry next Saturday for a clash between the top two sides after regular season. Wallis Lake remain undefeated and are looking to complete a near perfect season.
In reserve grade, Wallis Lake defeated Macleay Valley Rangers 2-1. A late consolation goal for Rangers wasn’t enough to allow a late comeback, with the Forster outfit ensuring they would have both their grades in next weekend’s grand finals. Lakes will meet premiers Port United in the title decider.
Reserve grade kicks off at 12.45 with the first grade at 3pm on Saturday.
