Hills United Face Ravens in Grand Final

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”67486″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Lawrence Machado[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hills United FC are withing kissing distance of the coveted FNSW League One Women’s crown in what has been a truly remarkable debut season. They take on Gladesville Ravens in the grand final this Sunday (September 25) at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood, at 5pm.

Last Saturday, Hills United saw off Northbridge Bulls FC 1-0 In a gripping semi-final at Blacktown City Sports Centre, with super substitute Isabella Sciberras firing in the allimportant goal in the 87th minute. Sciberras, who replaced Ellen Berios in the 69th minute, had her shot blocked, but the ball then struck a Bulls defender before trickling into the net to the massive relief of their team and supporters.

The only goal in the match came after the Bulls had thrown everything at the United defence. The in-form Berios was unlucky just before half-time when her low strike was pushed away ay the last minute by Bulls keeper Trudy Burke. Hills United skipper Desiree Galea led from the front as always, while goalkeeper Sarah Easthope was resolute in defence with her backs.

Hills United FC coach Alan Tasses admitted their rivals controlled the first half and must have been very proud of the way his team handled the pressure and responded to the challenges in the semi-final.

“It was a typical semi-final battle,” Tasses said. “It went right to end with an 87th minute game. “Northbridge Bulls were the dominant side in the first half. We made some adjustments and we spoke about energy, transition and that would be how the game would be won and it was.”

Hills United had warmed up for their semifinal by hammering hapless Nepean FC 12-0 in the final round of the regular season, with Barios leading the way with four goals. They scored 10 goals in the second half in what was their biggest win this year.

The Ravens, who replaced Hills United at the top of the table in regular season, edged out UNSW FC 4-2 after a penalty shootout in the other semi-final. Scores were level 1-1 at full time. UNSW played with only nine players after two players were shown the red card.

Expect a no-holds barred grand final this Sunday with the Hills United certain to have a large crowd to cheer them on. The Hills United waged a mighty tussle with the Ravens for the league title throughout the 2022 season, finishing six points behind in the end.

It’s been an exciting season for the other Hills United teams who have also kept the club’s flag flying high. The women’s grand final matches start from 8.30am at Valentine Sports Park[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”69705″][/vc_column][/vc_row]