A four-goal second-half burst sent Monaro Panthers cantering into the Australia Cup Qualifying Final showdown with O’Connor Knights as the visiting team finally undid the gallant challenge of Tuggeranong United, winning their cup semi-final with a 4-0 success at Greenway Enclosed.
A brace from Ben Basser-Silk, and solitary goals from Dylan Deep-Jones and substitute Jenno Ceruti, did for the home side, the Panthers finally finding the key to unlocking the Tuggeranong defensive unit with a superb display after the interval.
The best chance of a close, and engrossing first-half, came relatively early as Ryan Straub found the rampaging Christian Kreskas with a sublime through-ball. The winger burst clear and sent over a pinpoint accurate cross that Roko Strika, meeting the ball cleanly with a firm header, sent flying over the crossbar when he ought to have scored.
That set the tone for most of the opening forty-five minutes as Monaro dominated territory and possession, yet rarely troubled Callum Cook in the Tuggeranong goal, a mazy run from Luca Macor ending with a skewed effort well wide, whilst Basser-Silk drilled off-target.
United offered little in the final third, the hard running of Nic Emanuel and Zac Lawrence notwithstanding, although the duo failed to create a meaningful chance of note with Panthers’ custodian Finn Jurak untroubled.
Tuggeranong would not emerge unscathed once the teams had reassembled from their half-time refreshment and, fittingly, it was the outstanding Macor that was to make the difference. The midfielder burst past his marker out wide on the right flank and showed the composure to pick out the onrushing Basser-Silk who rammed home the opener.
Having made the breakthrough, the Panthers relaxed more in possession, and found a second in the 68th minute. Kreskas was the provider, his free-kick into the penalty area finding an unmarked Deep-Jones, the central defender sauntering forward unchecked to volley a finish past Cook from close range.
There was more to come from the rampant visitors who added a third in the 73rd minute due to Strika’s tenacity. The playmaker won a tackle on the ground, diverting the ball into the path of Basser-Silk who was able to calmly slot past the advancing Cook and seal the result.
Much to the delight of the travelling Panthers support, there was to be a fourth. Strika beat a challenge out on the left and floated a cross to the back post that eluded Cook, crashed off the inside of the upright, and fell obligingly for Ceruti, only on the pitch for two minutes, the former Tuggeranong frontman having the easiest of finishes.
It secured a deserved win, Tuggeranong showing moments but not enough to topple Monaro, as the Panthers secured a Cup Final clash with the Knights at Deakin Stadium.
RESULT
Semi-Final
Wednesday 22 May
Tuggeranong United 0 Monaro Panthers 4 (Basser-Silk 55’, 73’, Deep-Jones 68’, Ceruti 82’)
