Institute through to NPL NSW Womens 1 Grand Final

The FNSW Institute have confirmed their spot in the NPL NSW Womens 1 Grand Final after defeating the NWS Koalas.

NWS Koalas 2-3 FNSW Institute
A warm Sunday afternoon welcomed us at Sydney United Sports Centre as the NWS Koalas took on the FNSW Institute.
It was second verse third in this elimination final as the losers season would be over while the other would meet the Macarthur Rams in next weeks grand final.
A hat-trick to Princess Ibini-Isei saw her help her side into the grand final after an enthralling 3-2 extra time win over the NWS Koalas.
Jessica seaman had the first opportunity of the afternoon inside the first five minutes, rising highest in the box from a Heidi Makrillos corner. Seamans header didn’t test Jessica Urquhart as the ball went just over the bar.
The Institute had their first half attempt through Tia Gavin as she pounced on a poor pass back. The Koalas defence scrambled well as Gavin’s attempt went wide.
Some good football was on display early on as both sides tried to play the ball around and create chances.
Princess Ibini-Isei was best on park last week and she started strong again, crossing in a teasing ball into the box. The rebound came to Carla Trimboli who rocketed a shot toward goal. Again though, the Koalas scrambled well and managed to thwart the threat.
The Koalas thought they had the lead just after the quarter hour mark as Makrillos broke through only for the assistants flag to be raised.]
In the 18^th minute, Tia Gavin emerged with the ball inside the Koalas box. Amanda Horafios was quick off her line and made a smart save to keep the scores locked at 0-0.
Koalas supporters were on their feet again in the 19^th minute as Hannah Beard and Makrillos connected down the right flank. Makrillos was one on one with Urquhart but the Institute keeper came out on top making a great reflex save. The danger wasn’t over though as the ball came back to the Koalas attacker, Makrillos had little time though and her rushed effort went just wide.
In the 24^th minute it was 1-0 and it was Ibini-Idei again with her third goal of this finals series. What seemed a nothing ball into the box by Rhianna Pollicina turned out to be an excellent cross as Ibini-Isei toe pocked the ball beyond Horafios.
On 28 minutes it could’ve been two for the Institute as the girls in yellow didn’t clear their lines from a corner. The incoming volley was well saved by Horafios though as the score stayed 1-0.
Naomi Nguyen then had an opportunity from the edge of the area in the 37^th minute but her shot went inches wide of the post.
The Koalas continued their push for an equaliser and it was Makrillos at the centre of attention again. She received the ball inside the box and powered a shot toward the far post, her effort had too much power on it as it went over the bar.
The Institute took the lead into half time and were looking good.
 The Koalas came out firing in the second half and it took only four minutes for them to get their equaliser. Beard dribbled through the middle of the park and sent an absolute pile driver into Urquharts top corner, giving the young keeper no chance.
Only two minutes later and the Institute were back in front and again it was Ibini-Isei. Excellent work by Lorena Bugden down the left saw the ball end up at the attackers feet. Like a true striker, Ibini-Isei tok her time and placed her shot into Horafios’ far corner.
Minutes later and the Koalas had another goal disallowed and again it was the unfortunate Makrillos.
In the 67^th minute Makrillos finally had her goal and the Koalas equaliser. Shayna Killey turned her defender extremely well at half way and then played in a delightful ball for Makrillos who neatly lobbed the ball over the on rushing Urquhart.
With less than 10 to go the Koalas though they had hit the lead. A ball into the box by Beard was blocked by Budgen as the ball flew agonizingly wide of the far post.
In the 83^rd minute, Makrillos should’ve had the Koalas in front. She met another delightful ball from the right inside the box but her right foot volley went inches wide.
Emma Stanbury and Natalie Tobin both had chances for the Koalas in the final five minutes of normal time but couldn’t find the winner as the match seemed moved into extra time.
In the second minute of extra time, Beard went for a slalom run between the Institute defenders as she moved in on Urquhart. Urquhart done extremely well to save and clear the ball away, keeping the scores locked at 2-2.
Soon after, again the Koalas were on the attack, this time Makrillos blasted over from 10 metres out after a cut back.
Beard had another opportunity in the 101^st minute after a Tobin cut back but her effort was blocked.
In the next attack, Stanbury had the perfect opportunity to put the Koalas ahead. Again it was Urquhart to the rescue, pulling off a fantastic save from Stanbury’s volley.
In the 103^rd minute, the Institute had the lead for a third time thanks to star Ibini-Isei who completed her hat-trick. Quick feet on the edge of the area saw her create space and place the ball past Horafios into the back of the net.
For the third time in the game the Koalas had a goal chalked off, again for an apparent offside.
A late red card for the Koalas all but sealed their fate as they had to play out the remaining minutes with only 10 on the park.
Lorena Bugden was absolutely everywhere for the young side as she helped her team in both attack and defence.
Jessica Stofmeel then almost put the result beyond doubt but Horafios came to the Koalas rescure.
– Nikola Pozdar