TIEN Dat Nguyen’s extra-time strike has put Mildura United through to this Sunday’s S-League senior men’s grand final in an upset victory over Irymple Knights.
With scores deadlocked after 90 minutes, Nguyen’s 11th goal of the season four minutes into extra time was enough to secure the 3-2 result at Aero Ovals on Sunday.
They face the daunting task of going head to head with the undefeated Mildura City, who qualified for this weekend’s decider with a 10-0 victory over Nichols Point.
Rohullah Ataye got United off to the perfect start with a goal inside the first two minutes of the game, however that was cancelled out soon after as Sakhbir Kayer opened Knights’ account.
Neither side scored for the remainder of the first half, however United regained their lead early in the second half through Yuna Rurageze’s third goal of the campaign.
The boys in green and black would again equalise through midfielder Donald Jerry in the 62nd minute, and 2-2 turned out to be the final score of regulation time, before Nugyen’s deciding strike in the extra half-hour.
The result marked United’s first victory over Knights of the season, having been defeated in their three home-and-away encounters.
Meanwhile, youngster Campbell Brown finished with a second-half hat-trick in City’s big win over Nichols Point.
Nicolas Woods, Brandon Pollifrone, Dom Ghidinelli (twice), Joseph Muscatello and Jacob Rodi all scored in the first half to take a 6-0 lead into the break.
Brown would complete his hat-trick before Woods completed his brace in the dying minutes of the contest.
In senior women’s action, Merrinda Hill’s second-half brace secured Knights a grand final berth as they defeated Nichols Point 2-1.
Eva Rich opened the scoring for the Pointers in the 67th minute, but just 10 minutes later her side would be down as Hill found the back of the net in the 70th and 75th minutes.
Knights will challenge the undefeated Mildura City, who had the week-one bye, in Sunday’s grand final.
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
SENIOR MEN
Mildura City 10 d Nichols Point 0
Goals: Mildura City: Campbell Brown 3 (65’, 68’, 87’), Nicholas Woods 2 (7’, 89’), Domenic Ghidinelli 2 (28’, 42’), Brandon Pollifrone (22’), Jacob Rodi (31’), Joseph Muscatello (32’).
Mildura United 3 d Irymple Knights 2 after extra time
Goals: Mildura United: Rohullah Ataye (2’), Yuna Rurageze (52’), Tien Dat Nguyen (4’ ET). Irymple Knights: Sakhbir Hayer (6’), Donald Gerry (62’).
SENIOR WOMEN
Irymple Knights 2 d Nichols Point 1
Goals: Irymple Knights: Merrinda Hill 2 (70’, 75’). Nichols Point: Eva Rich (67’).
Mildura City straight into the grand final.
RESERVE MEN
Mildura City 2 d Nichols Point 0
Goals: Mildura City: Jasper Gemits 2 (31’, 63’).
Mildura United 2 d Irymple Knights 1
Goals: Mildura United: Ferdinand Nkurikiyimana (20’), Andonis Taousakis (68’). Irymple Knights: Stephen Von Tunk (80’).
OVER 35
Irymple Knights 4 d Three Colours 1
Goals: Irymple Knights: Luke Pain (23’), Phill Karallis (24’), Tim Earl (44’), Justin Ellice (44’)
Three Colours: Rocco Rodi (44’).
Mildura United 8 d Mildura City 0
Goals: Mildura United: Timothy Wong 3 (2’, 29’, 54’), Chris Kimerlis 3 (23’, 41’, 59’), Matt Nicolaci (42’), Jonathon (Thomas) Koutlis (53’).
UNDER 16
Irymple Knights (Black) 2 d Nichols Point 1
Goals: Irymple Knights: Ali Ataye (32’), Kenedy (Nkunda) Esango (36’). Nichols Point: Brooklyn Hudak (44’).
Mildura City 3 d Irymple Knights (Green) 0 on forfeit
UNDER 16 GIRLS
Mildura City 3 d Nichols Point 1
Goals: Mildura City: Lilly Pulham 2 (21’, 59’), Ava Gemits (27’). Nichols Point: Ivy Hunt (49’).
UNDER 14
Irymple Knights (Green) 3 d Mildura City 2
Goals: Irymple Knights (Black): Joe Taylor 2 (15’, 17’), Joshua Haupt (32’). Mildura City: Nicholas Stewart (41’), Leo Tan (52’).
Irymple Knights (Black) 2 d Nichols Point 0
Goals: Irymple Knights (Black): Gianluca Dimasi (13’), Lee-min Sheehan (55’).
UNDER 13 GIRLS
Mildura City 0 d Nichols Point 0 (3-2 on penalties)
Irymple Knights (Green) 3 d Irymple Knights 2
Goals: Irymple Knights (Green): Mila Pascale 2 (24’, 36’), Allegra Giugno (25’). Irymple Knights (Black): Alexis Paterson (7’), Alexandra Lopez (30’).
UNDER 12 (DIVISION 1)
Mildura City 1 d Irymple Knights 1 (5-4 on penalties)
Goals: Mildura City: Leo Chang (42’). Irymple Knights: Harrison Farmer (41’).
Three Colours (White) 2 d Nichols Point 1
Goals: Three Colours (White): Zakariya Maaroof (29’), Ali Hussain (41’). Nichols Point: own goal (43’).
UNDER 12 (DIVISION 2)
Mildura City (Red) 4 d Irymple Knights (Black) 0
Goals: Mildura City: Wesley Hobbs 2 (40’, 44’), Mylo Hamence (23’), Myah Timmis (46’).
Irymple Knights (Green) 11 d Mildura City (Black) 0
Goals: Irymple Knights: Ricardo Lopez 3 (29’, 40’, 49’), Joseph Simonetta 2 (5’, 6’), Thanasi Karallis 2 (10’, 21’), Harrison Lay 2 (20’, 29’), Brodie Holland (25’), Rocco Pitto (50’).
