EFL 2018: South Croydon books place in the Division 1 grand final after extra-time win over Blackburn
SOUTH Croydon will have a shot at back-to-back premierships for the first time in the club’s 50-year history after an extra-time preliminary final over Blackburn.
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WHAT is it about South Croydon and close results this year?
As it has done in several games in 2018, the Bulldogs’ will to win came to the fore in an extra-time preliminary final victory over Blackburn on Saturday.
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Scores were locked at 55 apiece at full-time before Jake Tucker kicked the only goal of extra time to deliver South Croydon a 9.7 (61) to 7.14 (56) win.
It’s believed it is the first time an EFL top-flight final has needed to be decided by extra time.
The triumph booked the Bulldogs a place in the Division 1 grand final and a shot at back-to-back premierships for the first time in the club’s 50-year history, setting up a replay of last year’s decider against Vermont.
It was the Bulldogs’ seventh game decided by a single-digit margin this season.
Their two finals wins have been by a combined 11 points after Michael King kicked a goal with the last foray forward against Doncaster in the qualifying final.
South Croydon coach Luke McCormick acknowledged his side’s finals series had contained an element of luck.
“It has, but there is a real drive within the group obviously and a belief, which comes from these wins, but you make your own luck,” he said.
“We’ve been asking internally what outcome we want and it is basically up to us. There are no excuses because we’ve been there, we’ve got a good list, we’ve got a side that can win it.
“It’s just a matter of putting it together but so far we haven’t produced the footy we produced throughout the year.
“That’s what I’m really buoyant about that if we can produce the footy we have, Vermont should be pretty nervous. But, at the same time, they were very, very good in the second half (in the semi-final).”
South Croydon capitalised on its chances in front of goal in the second term, while Blackburn was left to rue its missed opportunities.
Two goals straight from the Bulldogs to the Burners’ 0.5 proved defining.
“Certainly wasn’t happy with the game, we weren’t great, and to Blackburn’s credit, we knew they were going to be good and they were,” McCormick said.
“They missed a few chances early, which kept us in it, but we just found a way.
“Obviously felt for (Blackburn coach) Brendan (Allen) because they played so well and it’s funny, I keep saying they played really well but we found a way to still stay in it.”
Ben McDonald is likely to miss the grand final with a shoulder injury, while Liam Tobin and King played in the reserves on the weekend.
Jason Pongracic could also return from VFL duties after Williamstown suffered a one-point defeat against Box Hill.
The Eastern Football League grand final will be played at Bayswater Oval on Saturday at 2.30pm.
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