IT’S HARD to think of a more action-packed final in recent memory than the Wodonga Diamonds’ quarter final clash with Melrose on Sunday afternoon.
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The two sides, who finished fifth and fourth respectively, went toe-to-toe in a spectacular encounter that had the full attention of the La Trobe crowd at its conclusion.
The depleted Diamonds, led by goalkeeper Meredith Quick, spent much of the second half fending off a determined Melrose after the visitors levelled the score at 1-1.
Though Melrose continually pressed, the Diamonds defence refused to relent.
Tensions boiled over just before extra time, resulting both sides being reduced to 10 players on the pitch.
The game would be decided by penalties after neither side could muster a winner in the added minutes.
Quick was the difference, saving two shots and converting one of her own to send the Diamonds through to the semi-finals.
Coach Caron Stiler said it had been her team’s biggest test for the season.
“That would have to have been one of the toughest games we’ve had all year,” she said.
“It was end to end, not much in it.
“It was always going to either come down to penalties or one team was going to give.
“The girls really stood up in the face of some injuries, especially our younger players.
“We had some reserve players stepping up off the bench.”
Stiler had only one word for Quick’s performance.
“Unbelievable,” she said.
“She’s kept us in the game numerous times this year, and I knew going into penalties that we had a little bit of an ace in the hole with her.”
Melrose coach Josh Fluss was disappointed with the result, but proud of how his team had performed.
“I think we probably had the better of the chances during the game, but missed a few opportunities to consolidate,” he said.
“It was a pretty even game, a draw at the end of it was probably the right result.
“With penalties, it is what it is really.
“It’s one of those things, it’s hard to lose those ones.
“But that’s life really, you win some, you lose some.”
Elsewhere in the senior women’s quarter finals, a brace from Maddy Harris guided Boomers to a convincing 5-0 win over Myrtleford, while Cobram defeated Albury United 5-1.
Cup hopefuls Albury City had their work cut out for them against the dogged St Pats, but ultimately ran out 3-2 victors.