Heidelberg United came out 2-1 winners in the big finals six-pointer against Bulleen Lions at Olympic Village.
Anisa Guajardo put the home side in front with a rocket inside the box, before Christy Zwolski slid in to make it two-nil.
Bulleen endured a frustrating afternoon, and finally got a goal in the 93rd minute when Caitlin Friend put one into the back of the net from a free-kick.
With finals football on the line, the Lions went into the game knowing a win would keep fate in their own hands, and they began the game with vigour and intent.
Despite playing some good football to get into the final third, the finishing was lacking early on, and Christine Fonua was only tested when Friend rifled in a free kick from just outside the box.
The hosts were content to look for the counter attack, and scored against the run of play when Guajardo broke free just inside the box on the right wing.
From an angle, she unleashed a powerful effort that went over the outstretched arms of Cassie Dimovski, bulging the roof of the net.
Bulleen responded with unrelenting pressure, except like most of the side’s afternoon, there was a lack of product in the final third.
Friend played in Beattie Goad for a great chance just five minutes after the goal, but the young winger saw her attempt foiled by Fonua.
The Lions did let slip once more just before the half-hour mark, and Zwolski slid home a cross from the right to put the hosts two goals up.
Minutes later, Bulleen saw another good chance spurned after a good team move ended with Alex Natoli, but the midfielders shot wide of the target.
With not much going his side’s way, Bulleen coach Bob McGuinness brought on Racheal Quigley to try and get more cutting edge up front in the second half, and the move almost brought dividends within ten minutes.
Quigley managed to turn a defender before being brought down on the edge of the area, but Friend’s free-kick went straight into Fonua’s grasp.
Heidelberg were still looking for opportunities on the break but while Adelyn Ayton and Guajardo toiled up front, it was still Bulleen who had best of the opportunities.
Another substitute Charlotte McGilp almost brought instant success for hte Lions in the 72nd minute when her whipped cross to the back post was close to being turned into her own net by Zwolski.
From the resulting corner, the ball made its way to Bella Scott outside the box and she swung in a tempting ball from deep which drew Fonua off her line to punch.
The ‘keeper missed, but Cindy Lay spurned the free header opportunity, somehow nodding the ball wide.
A good run from Guajardo in the 81st minute nearly sealed the points, but after finally getting the ball through to Aneta Komijat, the winger’s shot was blocked by Dimovski.
Friend then had a couple of chances in as many minutes, first skying the ball high and wide after being unmarked on the penalty spot, before doing likewise after winning the ball high up the pitch.
Bulleen finally got the goal they’d searched for in stoppage time, when Friend wrapped her foot around a free-kick to put it well out of reach for Fonua.
Heidelberg defender Lisa Fonua had brought down Lay who was clean through prior to the free-kick, but the referee didn’t rule it a last-man challenge.
From the kick-off, the final whistle blew, leaving Bulleen plenty to do in their remaining four games, while Heidelberg came off the field joyous, having got the job done.
***
Heidelberg United 2 (Guajardo 14’, Zwolski 27’) defeated FC Bulleen Lions 1 (Friend 90+3’) at Olympic Village. [HT: 2-0]
Heidelberg United: 21. Christine Fonua (GK), 2. Demi Mihaloudis (22. Ellie Gavalas 70′), 4. Michelle Verzi, 6. Laura Phillips, 10. Julia Nicolaci, 15. Lisa Fonua, 18. Sadie Murphy, 20. Chloe Cini (13. Adelyn Ayton 46′), 38. Christy Zwolski, 45. Elise Mamanu-Gray (11. Aneta Komijat 63′), 50. Anisa Guajardo
Unused Substitute(s): 9. Belinda Pannella, 40. Hannah Ryan
Yellow Card(s): L. Fonua 92′
Red Card(s): Nil
FC Bulleen Lions: 1. Cassie Dimovski (GK), 3. Isabella Scott, 5. Maddie Stockdale, 12. Liana Iaconis, 22. Emily Dolzan, 2. Tessa Sernio (21. Racheal Quigley 53′), 20. Alex Natoli, 6. Caitlin Friend, 16. Beattie Goad, 8. Cindy Lay, 7. Ashleigh Beagley (14. Charlotte McGilp 70′)
Unused Substitute(s): 4. Bianca Trimboli, 9. Lia Privitelli, 43. Tori Snelleksz
Yellow Card(s): Nil
Red Card(s): Nil