Ashburton United have secured second place in the Women’s Premier League, as a 2-0 win over Sandringham got them over the line following South Melbourne’s draw against Heidelberg.
Georgia Cloepfil got the ball rolling with a goal after just 20 seconds, befor Laura Spiranovic netted her side’s second to secure a home final and the double-chance.
On a difficult pitch, Ashburton got off to the perfect start when Melina Ayres broke free on the left flank and played and early ball across for Cloepfil, who tapped in unmarked at the far post.
Sandringham responded by almost equalising in the 11th minute when Annabel Gibney found herself on the end of a loose ball inside the box.
But Maria Patrikis was on hand to block the shot on the line, preserving the narrow lead.
Four minutes later, Briar Palmer spurned a golden opportunity to make it two, blazing a shot wide after Thomas played her in from a swift counter attack.
The hosts didn’t have to wait long though, and did double their lead in the 18th minute through Spiranovic, who outmuscled her defender to latch onto a ball over the top, slotting a finish with ease past Ingrid Philipe.
Sandringham weren’t overwhelmed, but couldn’t make the most of their chances before the break, with Jamie Brown in particular having a couple of efforts; her best one saved acrobatically by Melissa Maizels.
Brown was in the thick of the action again in the second half, with her shot in the 54th minute floating into Maizels’ grasp, before forcing the ‘keeper into a great reaction save in the 76th minute.
The conditions took its toll on the contest however, and neither side was really able to carve out a scoring opportunity despite several forays each to the edge of the area.
Substitute Rebecca Saber could have put some gloss on the scoreline late on, but couldn’t tuck a finish past Sandringham who defended desperately.
In the end Ashburton hung on and secured a vital win, which gives them hosting privileges for the first week of finals which begins next week.
Photo: Adrian Shaw
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Ashburton United 2 (Cloepfil 1’, Spiranovic 18’) defeat Sandringham SC 0 at Ashburton Park [HT: 2-0]
Ashburton United: 1. Melissa Maizels (GK), 2. Maria Patrikis, 3. Holly Richardson, 5. Kristin Stensholt, 8. Briar Palmer (19. Olivia Edwards 56’), 14. Christine Pfeiffer, 15. Emma Checker, 4. Brittany Thomas (13. Azize Erenli 75’), 18. Georgia Cloepfil (16. Rachel Jarvis 80’), 9. Melina Ayres, 21. Laura Spiranovic (6. Rebecca Saber 84’)
Unused Substitute(s): 12. Amy Malander
Sandringham SC: 1. Ingrid Philipe (GK), 18. Sienna Fogarty, 28. Emily Morris-Krause (12. Eliza Gleadell 75’), 6. Stephanie Parton, 5. Jamie Brown, 4. Emma Robers, 9. Emma Runnalls, 20. Hannah Stuart, 10. Stephanie Tanti, 7. Kirstie Shearing (8. Nicola Westwood)
Unused Substitute(s): 16. Elisabeth Robers, 21. Niki Cook, 11. Lucyna Kapusta