Second-Half Surge Sends Manly United Into Sapphire Cup Final

Manly United booked their place in the Sapphire Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over Northern Tigers at North Turramurra Recreation Area on Wednesday evening securing a historic first-ever grand final appearance for the club.

After a tightly contested opening period, the match was ultimately decided by a dominant second-half performance from the visitors, who proved too strong in key moments to seal the win and progress to the decider against UNSW FC.

In the opening half, both Northern Tigers and Manly United created multiple chances in a reasonably evenly matched contest.

In the 8th minute, a Manly United foul handed Northern Tigers their first opportunity of the night, a free kick in a dangerous position. Charlotte Mortlock stepped up to take the set piece, but her effort was comfortably collected by Manly United goalkeeper Jodie Drever.

Mortlock was heavily involved throughout the early stages, delivering back-to-back corners in the 19th and 20th minutes before adding a fourth set piece of the night in the 22nd minute.

Manly United struck first in the 37th minute, with Ellie Kerr finishing off a well-placed cross from Emily Minett to make it 1-0 in the closing stages of the first half.

Northern Tigers responded with a corner from Lily McMahon in the 40th minute, followed by another Mortlock delivery in first-half stoppage time, but they were unable to find an equaliser before the break.

The second half began brightly for the Tigers, with Tanaye Morris testing the defence in the 46th minute, but her effort was blocked to earn another corner. Mortlock once again delivered, though Manly United held firm to clear the danger.

Manly United emerged stronger after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, with Sienna Dale heading home to extend the lead to 2-0.

Despite Northern Tigers continuing to push forward with several promising attacking moves, they were unable to convert their chances in the final third.

Mortlock remained a constant threat from set pieces, delivering two late corners in the 84th and 85th minutes, but Manly United’s defence stood strong to see out the result.

The match finished 2-0, securing Manly United’s place in the final against UNSW FC.

After the match, Manly United head coach Thomas Hopley praised his side’s performance.

“I thought it was a really professional performance.

“In the first half we were nowhere near our best and we knew it and were frustrated. We were actually really happy to go in 1-0 up at half-time.

“We regathered our thoughts and went back out there in the second half more like what we’re wanting to play and are expecting to play.”

Hopley spoke about his excitement ahead of the Sapphire Cup final.

“It’s really, really exciting. You don’t always get to play finals football so we’re just going to make the most of it. We’re going to soak it up and try our hardest.

“I’ll be telling the club to cancel youth league training and get all the juniors there.”

Match Stats

Northern Tigers 0

Manly United 2 (Kerr 37′, Dale 54′)

Venue: North Turramurra Recreation Area

Referee : Casey Flemming 

Northern Tigers: Josie Wilson (2), Isabella Keech (4) – (Shadeene Evans (6) substituted on in the 75th minute), Saffron Grass (8), Ellie Head (9) – (Isla Witham (40) substituted on in the 89th minute), Charlotte Mortlock (10), Lily McMahon (11), Beth Bernardi (14), Greta Kraszula (18), Teagan Douglas (19) –  (Bo Burton (7) substituted on in the 65th minute), Tanaye Morris (23) – (Olivia Cartwright (12) substituted on in the 88th minute), Annalee Grove (44)

Unused substitutes: Rosie Ewin (15),Claire Fulton (47),Olivia Riddel (99).

Yellow cards – Nil

Red cards – Nil

Manly United ” Jodie Drever (1), Phoebe Gilbane (2), Grace Arnold (3), Emma Bates (4), Ruby Jackon (6) – (Sarah Whelan (26) substituted on in the 76th minute), Chloe O’Brian (7), Emily Minett (9), Lucy Richards (11), Ellie Kerr (20), Kayla Osborn (37), Sienna Dale (38). 

Unused substitutes : Brinley Gentle (12), Ava Roberts (15),Halle Smit (19),India Horsley (21),Chelsea Mccredie (31).

Yellow cards – Nil

Red cards – Nil

-By Monica Clarke