16 Jul 2014, 12:03 am
Quote:Austbard 0-2 Mercury
77' - J. Partridge
81' - M. Fitzgerald
Two late Mercurian goals guaranteed the team's spot in the semi-finals as a resilient Austbard weren't able to cause an upset. Following their mauling of New Vaduz, Mercury were confident in facing Austbard, who could boast a first World Cup finals appearance pending this year. Austbard were good value for the vast majority of the match, albeit without having the ability to dominate for extended periods, and almost served a few shocks with some good forward play by Eiman Torinal and Hans Almatin. Mercury's defence stood firm throughout and created a good launchpad for the counter-attack which created the first goal. Stephen Rydberg's lobbed ball forward from the back found Joe Foxon, who teed-up Jack Partridge, who had come-on for Edward Foxon in an attempt to score goals, for a scuffed finish just inside the right-hand post from six yards. Within five minutes, a second and decisive blow hit Austbard in the shape of Matt Fitzgerald, who added to his opener in the first game with a snapped effort mid-post-corner scramble close-in. Almatin had an effort near the end for a consolation, but Austbard's search for a first EMU goal will continue into a dead-rubber against New Vaduz next.