Out to keep their marvellous season alive, following the shock defeat one week earlier, Brian Brown's White Eagles started nervously against Sydney United, and found themselves a goal down after only 7' minutes. The Reds Luka Glavas used his pace and fin finishing as he latched onto a through ball on goal. The former A-League striker did not need a second invitation with only Phillip Zabaks ahead of him, coolly driving the ball into the back of the net.

With the White Eagles rattled, Sydney United took charge of the encounter, and masterfully held possession across the middle of the park with Ivo Bosnar, Peter Zorbas and Steve Hayes marshalling the side's movements across the park.

Bonnyrigg's only resource in the opening 20' minutes was the long ball, and in the windy conditions, this failed to carve out any real openings. The patience of Brian Brown's men though did reap reward in the 22' minute as Brad Boardman finished with aplomb, volleying first-time into the back of the net following Nathan Elasi's headed knock-down.

The goal proved to be the turning point as it was all Bonnyrigg from this moment onwards.

In the 24' minute, the White Eagles had the lead courtesy of Daniel Severino. Jamie McMaster created the chance showcasing his fine skills down the right-flank before centering to Severino, who drove the ball into the back of the net with his trusted left foot.

Despite Sydney United's best efforts to get back into the match, a late first-half chance to Elsid Barkhousir was all the side could muster up. The second period failed to provide the Reds with any real clear-cut chances, as Bonnyrigg continued to call the shots with their fine passing game. Any chance of a late equaliser for Sydney United went begging when substitute, player/coach, David Zdrilic was shown a straight red card in the 84' minute for an off the ball incident. The 10-men of Sydney United continued to push forward in search of a goal, though it was Daniel Severino who killed off the Reds' hopes with a fabulous free-kick delivery in injury-time. Severino's wonderful left-peg sent in a dipping free-kick across the face of goal and into the back of Ryan Norval's net, much to the delight of the Bonnyrigg players.

The grand-final showdown promises to be an entertaining encounter with the White Eagles eager to atone for the recent semi-final defeat against Blacktown City FC by four goals.

In the Grade-20 division, Blacktown City will face Sydney United in next weekend's final following their 2-1 defeat of Sydney Olympic. First-half goals to Chris Bedzo and Denis Jevtic were enough for Blacktown City, even though the side was forced to bite their nails over the last 10' minutes of the match as Alan Kovacevic re-opened proceedings with a goal for Sydney Olympic. In the end, the 2-1 win secures the side a shot at Sydney United in the Grade-20 grand-final.

-By Joseph Carlucci