The race for play-off glory is on this Saturday as four teams head to the State Football Centre for the inter-divisional finals.
At 3pm, the Men’s State League Division One/Division Two decider pits Subiaco against Curtin University.
Then it’s the NPL/Division One final between Fremantle City and Joondalup United (5.30pm).
Subi finished the season second bottom in Division One after a remarkable turn of events on the final day.
Knowing victory over Gosnells City at Rosalie Park would guarantee safety, Marc Wingell’s side were seemingly in cruise control when leading 3-0 at half-time. But Gosnells staged a dramatic comeback to win 4-3, leaving the door open for UWA Nedlands to escape the play-offs thanks to their 3-2 victory over Murdoch University Melville.
Subi regrouped and progressed to Saturday’s one-off final with a 4-3 aggregate win over Swan United in the semis. At one stage they led the tie 4-1, before the Division Two side rallied to win the second leg 2-1 but fall short of sending the tie into extra-time.
Subiaco’s opponents Curtin University edged past Maddington-Kalamunda White City over two legs.
Both legs finished 1-1 at full-time, sending the return game at Maida Vale into extra-time where Nathan Smith’s 115th-minute goal proved decisive for Troy Reid’s side against a team who had lost only one of their previous 15 matches.
Should Curtin prevail over Subiaco on Saturday, it will be the club’s first time in State League Division One after spending the previous 10 seasons in the third tier.
The other play-off final features Fremantle City and Joondalup United, who are looking to join champions Western Knights in the NPL.
The sides finished third and fourth respectively in Division One and qualified for Saturday’s decider having eliminated higher-ranked opposition in the play-off semi-finals.
Joondalup defeated Sorrento FC on away goals with the tie finishing 2-2 after 180 minutes. James Harmer’s double at Percy Doyle Reserve was key in ensuring Nick Jennings’ side stayed alive as they bid to return to the top division for the first time since 2018.
Fremantle City, who have never featured in the NPL, progressed 5-1 on aggregate in their tie with Mandurah City.
Matt Sparrow’s team were among the pre-season fancies for promotion and they go into Saturday’s final in good form with just one defeat in their past eight matches at the business end of the campaign.
The two matches will go to extra-time and then penalties if required.
- Both of Saturday’s games will be streamed live and free on Streamer.
Fixtures
Saturday 23 September
State Football Centre
Division One/Division Two play-off final
Subiaco v Curtin University (3pm)
Live stream: https://streamer.com.au/league/fwstateleague/match/2240
NPL/Division One play-off final
Fremantle City v Joondalup United (5.30pm)
Live stream: https://streamer.com.au/league/fwstateleague/match/2241
Message for spectators attending the venue on Saturday
- Gates open at 2pm
- The State Football Centre is a no-smoking and no-vaping venue
- The State Football Centre is a CASHLESS venue. All payment is by EFT only. Entry on Saturday is $15 per person with all under 16s free
- There will be limited parking at the State Football Centre at $10 per car. Payment by EFT only
- Maniana Park will be unavailable for parking
- To minimise the number of cars, we recommend car-pooling
- It is advisable for attendees to arrive early to secure parking spots on nearby roads
- Attendees should be mindful and respectful of no parking zones and private property in the vicinity. Please be wary of blocking driveways and other access points
- Please be aware that traffic management will be active along Welshpool Road to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety. Always follow the directions from traffic management and security personnel