Meanwhile Bankstown City Lions' hopes of silverware for 2009 ended with a heart-breaking penalty-shootout loss against Manly United FC.

Panni Nikas' match winning effort for the Sharks arrived moments after the half-time break, securing the Sharks a shot at Sydney United next Sunday.

A free-kick by set-piece specialist Jim Bakis was powerfully headed by Nikas on goal; shot-stopper James Chronopoulos parried the first attempt as Nikas was quickest to react and slot the ball home for the lead.

The Sharks held their ground and administered the lead with fine confidence, though the Stallions will still be confident going into their Minor semi-final clash against Manly United FC after creating some very good chances throughout the clash.

Ali Al-Hilfi displayed the form seen earlier on in the campaign for Lee Sterrey's men, adding confidence to the Bossley Park side insight of their showdown with Manly United FC next Saturday evening.

At Jensen Park, Bankstown City Lions' season came to an end after defeat against Manly United FC - Phil Moss' side progressed to a showdown with Marconi Stallions following 120' minutes of football and a dramatic penalty-shootout.

Locked at 0-0 following regular time, and still after the additional 30' minutes of extra-time, Brad Swancott's fine save of Daniel Severino's penalty - and Andrew Mailer's successful conversion from the penalty-spot - sealed the Cromer Park side a spot in the Minor semi-final.

A very closely contested encounter provided both sides with goalscoring opportunites throughout the 120' minutes of action, though despite the home-side performing well via the feet of George Nohra out of midfield and Hussein Akil in the attacking third, a goal was not forthcoming for the Lions.

Manly United FC's win keeps the side's chances of a grand-final appearance alive following the disappointment of losing out in the TigerTurf Cup Final against Sutherland Sharks eight-days ago. 

Sat 29/Aug - Minor Semi Final - Marconi Stallions vs Manly United FC - Marconi Stadium, TBC

Sun 30/Aug - Major Semi Final - Sydney United v Sutherand Sharks - Sydney United Sports Centre, TBC

-By Joseph Carlucci