a dogged Norths side in the Griffith and District football minor semi final last weekend 3-2, in an epic match that had the feeling of a grand final.

Both clubs are the best of enemies, with mutual respect flowing between the two sides, but Norths were left shattered after a final goal from Yoogali FC 10 minutes from time consigned them to the premiership scrap heap.

Yoogali FC coach Bruno Musitano was very pleased with the result, given the amount of pressure Norths put on his side during the enthralling match.

“It was an exciting win and I knew we would be in for a tough game,” Musitano said.

“They (Norths) are a very quick side and they like to move the ball around and they have one of the best strikers in the competition in Dom Nardi.

“We knew it was going to be really important to cut the supply of ball to both him and Pat Ciampa who is one of their main player makers.”

Musitano trusted the important tasks to Sevi Tropea and Michael Macedone, and despite their best efforts, Nardi was able to score a double.

The game got off to a blistering start, when Luke DeValentin performed his best impersonation of a cannon, launching a screaming shot from more than 30 metres out to leave the Norths keeper with no chance.

However, Norths didn’t have to wait long for an equaliser, with Nardi showing great skill to beat Josh Nascimben for one-all.

Both sides worked hard to get their noses in front before the break with a Steve Bertollo header giving Yoogali FC the ascendancy.

“Early in that second half they threw (Norths) threw everything at us, the kitchen sink and the laundry tub and a few other things,” Musitano said.

Musitano described his sides’ finals campaign as being “like three grand finals” given the toughness of the opponents and the fact all of the games are sudden death.