Western Australian champions Perth SC have delivered an extra time knock-out blow to Victorian Premiers Heidelberg United, winning their National NPL elimination final tie 3-2 at JL Murphy Reserve on Sunday.

The Bergers made a few changes to their line-up from the team that lost the Victorian NPL semi-final against Bentleigh Greens at the same venue just over a fortnight ago.

Returning to the starting line-up after several weeks’ absence was keeper Chris Theodoridis, whilst defender Christopher Dib started at right back in place of the unavailable Harry Noon. Lucas Derrick led the line in place of Tom Cahill who started on the bench.

Perth impressed from the outset, looking strong across all lines, especially in the middle from where it created and scored the opening goal just seven minutes into the contest. The diminutive, but technically accomplished midfielder, Kristian Santich pierced the Bergers’ back four with a well flighted pass into fellow midfielder Paul Zimarino who kept his composure to lob the oncoming Theodoridis to give the visitors the lead.

The Victorians reacted well, sending numerous crosses into the box which the Perth defence, led by centre backs Colwell and Radinovic, resisted strongly. However a hand ball by Perth full back De Leo gave the Bergers their best chance to equalise through a penalty. The Bergers’ Adrian Zahra sent Perth keeper Soale the wrong way but was denied by the upright with Sean Ellis also missing the target from the rebound.

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The second half produced an even tussle with both defences standing firm until Bergers’s sub Andrew Cartanos scored a 69th minute equaliser from a Paul O’Brien assist. The score remained at 1-1 and in extra time it was the Perth subs Aleksandar Jovic and Michael Domfeh who made the difference. A Domfeh cut back gave Jovic time and space in the box, to pick his spot and fire the visitors into the lead just before the end of the first period of extra time. The Bergers came agonisingly close to equalising through Cartanos and Ellis early in the second half of extra time, only for Perth to whisk the ball away and set up a swift counter-attack which Domfeh converted, finishing in a style befitting the WA NPL Golden Boot winner.

Alex Schiavo scored a late consolation for the Bergers just as the referee was about to blow his whistle to end the match.

The result means the end of the road for the Bergers in season 2019, whilst Perth SC deservedly progresses to a semi-final meeting away to Wollongong Wolves which easily accounted for Canberra Olympic 5-1 in their elimination final meeting on Saturday.

The other semi-final will be between NNSW team Maitland and Queensland Lions. Both semi-finals are scheduled for the weekend of 28/29th September.

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