Crookwell Reds squeeze home against MBK to go straight through to the grand final

The Reds advanced to this year's Southern Tablelands Football Association grand final with a thrilling extra time win over Stags 97 at Cookbundoon on Saturday, September 14,

This was a thrilling game from the opening whistle, with the defences of both teams dominating the attacks.

It came down to a sensational header from Jason Amaroama to break the deadlock and to give the away side a half time lead.

The second half ebbed and flowed with the attacks from both teams being denied by excellent defence.

Midway through the half, Stags equalized from a thunderous volley from outside the 18 yard box.

Not to be deterred, the reds knuckled down to the task and went ahead when Chad Mac weaved his way along the back line, threaded the ball through the defence to find Jason who only had to roll the ball into the net.

With Crookwell leading 2 - 1 and with only minutes remaining, Stags once again equalized with another long distance effort which found the back of the net and sent the game into extra time.

In that period and with the fingernails getting shorter by the second, a piece of magic by Rylee Luck and his trusty left foot once again gave Crookwell the lead 3 - 2.

The remaining time left voices hoarse and fingernails gone, but the full time whistle blew to send the reds into the Grand Final

This was their first regular season win over Stags.

Crookwell's defence was outstanding with Mitch, Jack and Emily leading the way, while Rylan once again showed why he is our first choice keeper.

In the other game, MBK squeezed home against Workers FC by the same scoreline.

MBK now play Stags at Cookbundoon on Saturday, September 21 from 9am for a spot in the final against the Reds.

Everyone should be congratulated with their efforts, and we look forward to a rematch with Stags or maybe the ever improving MBK will cause another upset and topple the Stags.

The grand final will be played at the Goulburn Workers Arena.