SOUTHERN Branch under 15s girls secured a berth in the Premier League 2 semi-finals after a tight 1-nil victory against Inter Lions at Nowra.
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Southern’s 2-1 loss against USNSW Lions the previous weekend meant the side had to win against Inter to make the finals.
Going into the clash against Inter, Southern was without forward Bella Dolan for the do-or- die clash.
Southern was fired up by coach Rob Cheyne and came out determined and intense.
Talia Westley’s ranging runs covering right forward, and back, were a highlight and Tuross Head’s Lani Johnson moved well in centre midfield.
Johnson and Narooma’s Kiegan Tasker played deceptive one-two passes which gave Johnson an avenue to goal but her shot failed to make the mark.
She had another attempt at goal, which missed and unfortunately had to be substituted in the 15th minute with injury.
Southern continued to plough through whatever setbacks were thrown their way.
The team’s defence stood tall in the first half and team manager Jodi Johnson believed the work of Kiara Rochaix, Bethany Neilsen and Meredith Cheyne was “invaluable”.
Despite a number of shots on goal Southern went into the half-time break at nil-all.
In the second Southern continued its onslaught attacking through Tasker’s crosses.
Southern had a scare early in the first half when Rochaix made a finger-tip save off a shot from a corner.
Finally the breakthrough came when Westley had a shot on target, which was blocked, but followed it through and put her team in the lead.
To Southern’s relief, it maintained the lead to the full-time whistle and Westley was player of the game.
The girls tackle Western Mariners in the minor semi-final this weekend.