The inaugural Australian Championship is heating up, with South Melbourne and Heidelberg United securing commanding wins to advance to the Semi-Finals.
South Melbourne 2-0 NWS Spirit
South Melbourne earned a 2-0 home victory over NWS Spirit, with Oliver Lavale and Max Mikkola on the scoresheet.
Lavale opened the scoring in the 34th minute, nodding in a long throw from Mikkola, before Mikkola added a second in the 70th minute.
Despite a red card review early in the second half, South Melbourne held firm, with goalkeeper Javier Lopez making a crucial late save to secure the win.
Heidelberg United 6-1 MetroStars
Heidelberg United came from behind to thrash MetroStars 6-1 on Saturday.
Jay McGowan and Bul Juach quickly restored the lead, with further goals from Marcus Humbert, Juach (second), and Anthony Lesiotis completing a dominant performance.
Semi-final match schedule confirmed
The road to the first-ever Australian Championship title is now even clearer, with the Semi Final match schedule confirmed following a gripping weekend of elimination football action.
Four clubs remain in contention to be crowned the inaugural Australian Championship Winners, with the Semi Finals to be played as a blockbuster double-header on Saturday, 29 November, broadcasted live and free across the country on SBS and SBS On Demand.
The final four features Marconi Stallions who will take on Moreton City Excelsior FC at Marconi Stadium and South Melbourne FC and Heidelberg United FC who will meet in Victoria at Lakeside Stadium.
Marconi dramatically claimed their Semi Final berth by beating Wests APIA FC in a thrilling penalty shootout, which ended 8-7, to set up their clash with Moreton City Excelsior FC, who beat Avondale FC 3-1.
The second Semi Final sees two old rivals lock horns again, after Heidelberg’s 6-1 thumping of MetroStars saw them go on to face South Melbourne FC for a spot in the inaugural Australian Championship Grand Final.
The Semi Finals have been scheduled to maximise national reach and deliver the best possible experience for players, fans and broadcast audiences. They will be staged in two different cities reflecting the national competition.
Following the conclusion of this Saturday’s matches, the final two teams will be confirmed and the countdown to the inaugural Australian Championship Final will officially begin.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 6, the timing and venue details will be made available as soon as possible following the completion of the Semi Finals.
