LAST Friday night saw the TESA sponsored Singleton Strikers Over 35’s B Grade team cement a Grand Final berth with a hard fought 3 -1 win over Nelson Bay in the major semi final.

The undefeated B graders were red hot favourites heading into the clash, but their reputation counted for nothing and a resolute Nelson Bay team put on a fine display of attacking football to have the Strikers back peddling for much of the first half.

The Singleton defence of Todd Geddes, Simon Kelly, Kevin Wandell and Scott O’Bryan have rarely been tested this season such has been the B graders dominance of their competition, but they were made to scramble by the slick passing of the ‘Bay and stand-in goalkeeper Jason Prebble – deputising in the absence of regular custodian Mark Henderson – was called on to make a number of telling saves early.

Singleton needed some inspiration to turn the game around and steal the initiative, and it came in a moment of brilliance from midfielder Brent Jenkins.

Jenkins, showing all the experience gleaned from playing 99 First Grade games for Singleton, won the ball deep in midfield and noticing the Bay goalkeeper marginally off his line, he smacked a wonderful long range shot over the keepers head and into the goal.

It was the shot in the arm that the TESA sponsored Over 35’s needed, and they soon doubled their lead, when good lead up work from midfielders John Watson and Graham Cadman saw a long cross played in towards the Nelson Bay back post.

Singletons leading goal scorer Rod Luxford was once again on hand to add to his already impressive goal tally when he rose majestically above the pack to head home the Strikers second goal.

But Nelson Bay were not to denied, and in the shadows of half time they got themselves back into the match.

Singleton failed to clear a ‘Bay free kick that was floated towards goal, and in the ensuing melee, the ball was bundled into the net to make it 2 – 1.