Arrive alive Women?s Super League Grand Final

Central Coast Lightning v A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers
The long waited Arrive Alive Women?s Super League Grand Final clash between Central Coast Lightning and A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers got underway with Central Coast laying claim to favouritism against an APIA side that had gone into the game with a number of injuries.
Central Coast made the early running, holding territorial advantage with plenty of possession. A dazzling run by Melissa Swinfield caused problems for APIA but a fine save by keeper Karrinda Moodley kept The Lightning at bay.
In the 8^th minute APIA began their first foray forward. Nothing seemed to be happening but the ball went to Frances Dimino who sent in a speculator from about 30 metres. The ball bounced in front of Lightning keeper Samantha Butler, then over her head to bounce in off the cross bar. Apia had taken a 1-0 lead!
If Central Coast were shocked by this setback they didn?t show it. They immediately moved forward again but failed to take anything from a raid into the APIA box nor a follow up corner.
APIA made inroads to the Lightning defence with a neat run by Natalie Spirovski seeing serve a nice ball to Alicia Cavanagh on the right of the penalty area. Cavanagh worked her way into the box but could only win a corner which Central Coast was eventually able to clear.
Soon after APIA won a free kick on the edge of the semi circle only to see Alicia Cavanagh?s strike fly straight to keeper Butler. Central Coast weren?t shirking the physical encounters but this was leaving them on the wrong side of the free kick count.
Things went Central Coast?s way though when they won a free kick in the 27^th minute, just to the left of the APIA penalty area. Sarah Ball stepped up to hit a superb free kick which beat the keeper to find the back of the net. Things were now all square again at 1-1.
APIA seemed to be struggling with the pace of the Central Coast side. They could not gain any momentum and it was not surprising when Central Coast?s Melissa Swinfield snuck in behind the defence to slot away a fine goal that gave her side a 2-1 lead in the 32^nd minute of play.
This turn of events caused some heads to drop on the APIA side. They really needed a spark to help them regroup.
APIA turned to the more experienced players but lost goalscorer Frances Dimino who was replaced by Amanda Bowering
APIA started to work their way back into the game. Some good lead up play culminated in Hayley Murray?s shot over the cross bar. Central Coast then went forward themselves with Danni Asgar bringing a diving save from the APIA keeper.
The resulting corner from Riarna Keane looped towards the back post where the APIA keeper attempted to palm the ball clear only to push it into goal. Central Coast had extended their lead to 3-1 right on the stroke of half time.
APIA were fired up coming out of the sheds after half time but the fire didn?t transfer onto the field in the first few minutes of the second half. APIA?s first serious threat of the half came through a free kick by Amanda Bowering but Central Coast broke quickly from defence to turn the pressure back on the Tigers.
APIA was struggling to get back into the contest. Their attack seemed to lack sting and their defence was continually being stretched by the well structured play of the Central Coast side.
APIA managed to create half a chance for Alicia Cavanagh but the star striker blazed over the bar. Central Coast then came forward with a wicked bounce almost catching APIA keeper Moodley out. As she grabbed the ball she crashed to the ground, losing the ball in the goal mouth. Central Coast couldn?t find the toe nail required to nudge the ball over the line and the APIA defence swooped to clear the ball.
APIA were finding a little more space as the half wore on but Central Coast seemed able to close them down whenever things looked even slightly dangerous. There seemed no direction to APIA?s play however; it seemed as it was a matter of winding down the clock as the Lightning clinically went about their business.
When APIA did press forward their shots were coming from distance. The frustration was obvious as the Tigers searched for some inspiration.
Central Coast needed no more inspiration. In the 79^th minute Melissa Swinfield swivelled, turned and lost her defender before unleashing a magnificent shot at goal that hammered into the top left corner of the net. Central Coast had put the final nail in the APIA coffin to lead 4-1.
APIA Coach Tarek Madani made a number of changes but they made little difference to the direction of the game. Central Coast was in control and there was no way back for APIA.
The final whistle blew with Central Coast running out 4-1 winners.
Central Coast Lightning lived up to their early season favouritism to dominate the Grand Final. APIA had done a wonderful job to win their way through to the title decider from fourth spot but were no match for Central Coast on the day.
Central Coast Lightning?s striker Melissa Swinfield was awarded the Player of the match medal for her fine performance at the head of the Lightning attack.
CENTRAL COAST LIGHTNING 4 (M.Swinfield 32m/79m, R.Keane 27m/45m)
A.P.I.A.-LEICHHARDT TIGERS      1 (F.Dimino 8m)
In the days other Grand Finals the results were as follows;
Under 12 Girls Blacktown Spartans 1 (Galayini) A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers 0
Under 14 Girls Central Coast Lightning 3 (Thornley, Muir, Blenman) Northern Tigers 0
Under 16 Girls Blacktown Spartans 2 (Vale x 2) Lady Hawks 0
Reserve Grade Women Eastern UNSW Lions 2 (Ivanovic, Davies) Gladesville Ravens 1 (Agar) after extra time.
The Arrive Alive Women?s Super League season drew to a close with a great day of football. A number of exciting matches, some spectacular goals and some fine individual performances gave us plenty to remember about the championship day of season 2010. Blacktown Spartans were much deserved Premiers and Club Championship winners whilst Central Coast Lightning claimed the silverware as Grand Final Champions.
I?m already looking forward to next season!
-By Ross Anderson