Recap
The first semi final of the Futsal Oz Cup pitted Fitzroy against Carlton. Some tight contests in the past and Carlton coming off an upset win over Pascoe Vale last week the Heart fancied their chances of pulling of a magical cup run. Those hopes lifted when An early cut back from Katie Foster saw Dharma Georgi turn one into her own net giving the Heart the lead. Fitzroy responded however with Sarah Richardson beating her player down the line and cutting back for Romy Heasly to tap home the equaliser. The Tigers then took the lead when Zoe Schaffner cut it back to Ebru Efe who tapped home making it 2-1 to the Tigers. It was soon three when Richardson’s solo run saw her toe poke home. A long range effort from Chloe Drinoczky had the lead at 4-1 before Georgi rifled home for a 5-1 lead. It seemed everything was going Fitzroy’s way as Richardson cut back another ball for Efe to finish as the game threatened to blow out. A team meeting mid court from leader Rebecca Davies inspired the Heart as they set about overturning the deficit. Davies struck home a deflected effort from distance before Katie Foster went one on one with Molly Boorman before finishing it off. On the half time buzzer Carlton struck again with Foster finding the net from a Thurlow throw as Carlton went into the break remarkably only trailing 6-4.
The second half began with Fitzroy stepping it up a gear as Sarah Richardson found some space on the left side before finishing to open up a three goal cushion. A goal late in the half to Romy Heasly sealed the deal as Carlton’s spirited fightback could not overcome their slow start which see’s them eliminated while Fitzroy progress to the final.
Player of the game – Sarah Richardson (Fitzroy FC)