Her team, the Southern FC under 14s, won 2-1 over SD Raiders in extra time.

NPL2 is a highly competitive twelve team league that includes teams from the areas such as Central Coast Mariners, Marconi, Apia Leichardt and Sydney Olympic.

The Southern Side takes in a large area from the Highlands, Nowra and all the way to Eurobodalla and train twice a week at Nowra.

Twelve months ago the Southern side finished last with no wins for the 2017 season.

However with a lot of hard work and skills training in the off season, the side was ready for an improved performance in 2018.

The initial goal was to be competitive and maybe finish mid table, however as the season progressed and the wins accumulated, semi finals became a realistic target.

Following the completion of the normal rounds Southern had climbed to second place.

Ahead of the side was a grueling four week finals campaign, which saw them travelling each week to Sydney.

They had to beat the Central Coast Mariners twice, once in extra time, to qualify for the grand final.

Their opponents in the grand final were SD Raiders who are co-coached by the Matilda’s coach, Alen Stajic, as his daughter is on their playing roster.

With one win to each side during the regular season, the SD Raiders coasted into the “big show” by thumping Southern 4-0 in the major semi-final.

The grand finals were held at Valentine Park, Football NSW Institute headquarters on September 2.

In the first half the Southern girls withstood constant attacking pressure with some timely saves from goalkeeper Mim Macdonell, which helped hold a rampant SD raiders to 0-0 at the break.

The Raiders went 1-0 up midway through the second half, courtesy of a penalty spot kick for a late tackle.

With the season on the line the Southern girls responded, striker Ella Hewson [Huskisson] appeared to equalise only to be crushingly ruled off side, before midfielder Chloe Hain (Bomaderry) stepped up and equalised from a corner with only minutes to go.

The Southern girls revved up by Jorgi in the huddle then out-enthused the Raiders in extra time, pressing hard and with numbers in defence and finally gaining some possession in good field position.

Unsettled, the normally calm and calculating Raider’s backs miskicked a clearance ball, which rolled instead towards wing defender Jaya Bowman (Dolphin Point) at the halfway mark.

With her first touch Jaya launched the ball back towards the goal.

The SD Raider’s goalie standing well forward for most of the game, somehow misjudged the flight of the ball, failed to get to the bounce then watched in terror as it flew over her flailing arms and into the goal, giving Southern a miraculous but deserved 2-1 lead.

If your child would like to participate in Southern FC, several trials will be held at the end of October.

Details: http://www.southernnswfootball.com.au