Heidelberg United were the victors in the semi-final clash against Preston Lions. The hosts were the better side throughout the match and ultimately secured their golden ticket to the decider far more comfortably than the final scoreline suggests.
The visitors came out of the blocks firing, eager to seize control, but their forays forward lacked bite, failing to pose any real threat to the hosts’ backline.
The lads from Heidelberg needed a bit of time to hit their stride, but once they did, they put the pedal to the metal, leaving their opponents scratching their heads at what had hit them.
The breakthrough for the hosts came courtesy of James Ngor in the 40th minute, following a cracking individual run and a thunderous strike from inside the box. As if that wasn’t enough to deflate the visitors, Bul Juach’s spot-kick in first-half stoppage time buried them.
The 2-0 scoreline clearly didn’t sit well with the Lions faithful, who opted to hurl four flares towards the Heidelberg players. It was a miracle no one copped an injury.
The away supporters appeared to simmer down, the first half wrapped up, and the 22 players headed to the sheds for the interval.
The second half painted a completely different picture. The hosts elected to cede territory and possession to the visitors, prioritising a rock-solid defensive shape. Yet the Lions players looked clueless with the ball at their feet.
Despite pulling one back in the 83rd minute, they never once looked like turning the tide in their favour during the second half.
The referee’s final whistle sparked wild scenes as the players, coaching staff, and club officials merged with the Heidelberg fans in celebration. The party for booking a spot in the grand final was just getting started. Special mention goes to the Heidelberg supporters, who displayed real character in the face of the visitors’ provocations and backed their side with rhythm and fire for the full ninety minutes.
The Lions fans, for the second match on the trot after last week’s shenanigans at Oakleigh, stirred up trouble with lobbing objects and flares, unfurling dodgy banners, and chanting racist slogans. Their antics on Friday night weren’t just against the spirit of the game—they were downright dangerous. Those flares could have seriously hurt a player, and we’d be chatting about anything but footy today. Something’s got to give.
Heidelberg United now stand on the brink of one of the greatest challenges in their storied history. If not the greatest. The quest for the double. The prized silverware of the NPL championship and the Australia Cup are there for the taking. Can they claim them both?
