The Maitland Magpies inability to convert their opportunities came back to haunt them in the second leg of their semi-final against Broadmeadow Magic.
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The Magpies won 1-0, but missed several gilt-edge chances including a penalty to bridge the three-goal gap as Magic progressed to the grand final with a 3-2 win on aggregate.
The Magpies got on the board just before the 28th minute, when Matt Thompson headed in his rebounded shot from the penalty spot.
Unfortunately, the Magpies were unable to add to the scoreboard pressure on the Magic.
Maitland’s defence was resolute and repeatedly set up attacking raids for the forwards, but it was not to be.
The Magpies under-20s progressed to the grand final with a 2-0 second-leg win against Newcastle Jets Youth for a 5-0 win on aggregate. The minor premiers will face Hamilton Olympic in the decider
Magpies football manager Mick Mirisch said it was always disappointing to lose, but praised the team’s efforts in making the semi-finals for the third year straight since promotion.
“Unfortunately converting our chances was our Achilles heel again,” he said.
“At the start of the season we thought we could have all three teams in the semi-finals, but our under-18s season was hurt by injury,
“To make the semi-finals in first grade is about par and the under-20s are a real chance of winning the minor and major premierships.”
Mirisch said the majority of the first grade and under-20 squad had already signed for next season.
