ISAROOS have kept their season alive in the Mount Isa association men’s B grade soccer, defeating Atlas 5-3 in the elimination final.
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Four goals from left-footed striker Ben Robins led his Isaroos to victory, with Chris Beard chipping in one.
Isaroos captain Brad Crossingham was happy with the result but knows there are areas that need improving before next week.
“It was a solid win against an understrength Atlas side, with us managing to stay composed despite trying circumstances,” he said.
“Atlas never seemed to go away but handy finishes from our forwards Ben Robins and Chris Beard ensured that they remained at bay.
“Our forwards connected up well with our midfielders, thanks to their maintained structure but our defence still needs shoring up.”
Crossingham is hopeful that when they welcome back a couple of players next weekend, the defence will fix itself.
“We should have a couple of players returning for our grand final qualifier next Saturday, which will hopefully assist our defence,” he said.
Isaroos will play Bulls in the grand final qualifier after their opponents lost to Inter 4-1 in the preliminary final.
In the A grade, Concordia progressed straight through to the grand final, defeating arch nemesis Parkside 1-0 in a thrilling match.
Concordia’s coach Ken Griffin admits both sides had plenty of chances in the extremely fast paced match.
“Chances were hard to come by as most of the game was played in the centre of the field but both teams definitely had chances to win the match,” he said.
“Thankfully Peter McAlister’s finish in the second half was enough to win us the game and see us through to the grand final.”
Concordia came into the match having beaten Parkside in their past two appearances, which saw the victors dominate possession for long stretches.
But Parkside used this to their advantage, looking the most dangerous on the counter attack.
“Our captain Jamie Stewart was strong in midfield, continually pushing the ball through to our wingers,” Griffin said.
“Billy Orsag on the left wing and Paul Eloagu on the right both has sensational games, pusing the ball forward at every opportunity.
“This created chances for striker Anthony Bulgarelli, who was unlucky not to find his name on the score sheet.”
The win means Concordia has the week off, while Parkside faces Atlas in the grand final qualifier next Saturday.
“We’re ecstatic to be straight through to the grand final, especially as we have quite a few niggling injuries,” Griffin said.
“The two-week break will allow them to freshen up and help us fix some little problems on the training paddock.”