The Byron Bay FC third division Wildcats have played themselves into the grandfinal after a sensational come-from-behind win in tough conditions at Lismore Workers last Friday night.
The game was a fast-paced end-to-end affair with both teams looking capable of scoring, only both being thwarted by desperate defence. But as the game wore on Lismore took the ascendency and were winning 2–0.
However, in the 83rd minute, Wildcat Violet Rogers finally out-paced her defender and got past the goalie to get a much-deserved goal that set up a frenetic finish!
With one minute left on the clock Byron were awarded a penalty and a seemingly very calm Wave Lachish slotted home the equaliser with 13 seconds remaining. The 2–2 finished obliged extra time.
The Workers scored first and with only three minutes to go, the indefatigable and never-say-die Wildcats were awarded a free kick from a very difficult position, where captain Taylor Kempnich stepped up and hit it sweetly into the gaol.
The Spell and the Gypsy Collective Wildcats then went on to win the penalty shootout 3–1 to set up a grandfinal clash against the Italo Stars on Sunday in Lismore.
The Byron Bay FC Spell and the Gypsy Collective premier division Wildcats lost their semifinal on Friday night against Thistles 5–1. They now play in the preliminary final at home for a chance to play in the grandfinal in two weeks.
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