Sproule Sports Focus

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Congratulations to on winning their third consecutive Premiership.
They have now officially qualified for the for the second straight year.

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬' 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
Maitland's campaign came to a heartbreaking end after conceding two late goals in the space of three minutes to fall 2-1 to Fremantle City in their Round of 32 clash at Maitland Sportsground tonight.
In front of 972 spectators, the Magpies looked destined to progress after controlling much of the second half, only for the visitors to sn**ch victory with a stunning late comeback.
The opening 45 minutes offered little in the way of goalmouth action as both sides adopted a cautious approach.
Neither team was willing to overcommit going forward, preferring to retain possession and maintain their defensive shape in a tactical stalemate that produced few highlights.
The contest came to life after the interval as Maitland emerged with far greater attacking intent.
The Magpies began to dominate possession and territory, creating a succession of chances that should have produced three or four goals.
Sensing his side needed more attacking spark, Fremantle introduced striker Michael Domfeh on the hour mark.
It was Maitland, however, who finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute.
Daniel McFarlane whipped in a superb cross from the right and towering Fijian centre-back Semi Wara rose above the defence to power a header beyond the helpless goalkeeper, giving the home side a thoroughly deserved lead.
The goal only increased Maitland's momentum.
Four minutes later, Angus Muddle came within inches of doubling the advantage when his right-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area drifted narrowly wide of the right upright.
The chances continued to flow.
Three minutes later, 20-year-old Taye Power fired over the crossbar from close range.
Maitland's relentless pressure showed no signs of slowing, with captain Braedyn Crowley almost putting the result beyond doubt in the 80th minute.
The skipper stretched to meet another dangerous Wara delivery but missed the ball by millimetres.
Desperate for a way back into the contest, City made further attacking changes, introducing Kazakhstani forward Ilyas Akhmedov for defender Isaiah Wingell in the 84th minute.
With time running out, the visitors threw numbers forward with Maitland appearing content to absorb the pressure and protect their lead.
Then the game turned dramatically.
In the 88th minute, a speculative ball into the penalty area wasn't dealt with by the Magpies' defence.
Domfeh reacted quickest, throwing out his right boot to volley home the equaliser.
It was the first time all evening Maitland had failed to clear their lines.
Barely two minutes later, Fremantle struck again.
After winning a free kick immediately from the restart, a long ball into the area was flicked on before bouncing awkwardly between three Magpie defenders.
Akhmedov ghosted in unnoticed, met the loose ball first time and lifted the ball over the stranded Taylor Pate to complete an astonishing turnaround in the 90th minute.
With six minutes of stoppage time indicated, Maitland desperately searched for an equaliser to force extra time, but Fremantle stood firm to complete a remarkable comeback.
It was a cruel ending for the Magpies, who had dominated virtually the entire second half and looked set to progress.
Instead, two lapses in concentration proved costly, ending Maitland's Cup dream in devastating fashion.