Semi Final Heartbreak - Season ends one week too soon

Well, what a semi-final it was for Rosso Nero FC. We fronted up with yet another new-look line-up. Our regular keeper, Danny, still out injured, CJ was off watching the Socceroos, and our third-choice keeper, Nathan, was also on a company outing with the Socceroos – classic! Massive thanks to Luca for stepping up to cover in goals, and it was great to have Nuno back on the pitch after two weeks out with injury.

This semi-final had a special meaning for us. The team wore black armbands in memory of Adriano Flamini, a loving father to one of our key supporters and a close mate of Danny's. It was a tough emotional backdrop, but the boys played with immense heart.

We certainly took it right up to the reigning league champions. The team fought incredibly hard and dug deep from the first whistle. Our defending was outstanding, easily our best defensive game of the season. We created more chances, but their keeper was having an absolute blinder, saving everything we threw at him.

Holding our own, we copped another injury blow mid-game when Ant had to come off and didn't return to the field. Then, with literally seconds remaining in the first half, we conceded a very unlucky goal, completely against the run of play. That was a tough pill to swallow.

The second half was no different. The team dug deep and stuck to the task, defending brilliantly as a unit and attacking with every moment. Every attack ended with a shot on goal – it was relentless pressure from our lads.

Finally, with only five minutes left on the clock, we broke through and scored the equaliser! The supporters absolutely erupted with joy, cheering the team on. The boys were on a high, knowing they were on the verge of taking a massive scalp and making it to their third Grand Final in a row.

But in football, things can turn on a dime. While still buzzing from the equaliser, we lost our composure for a split second and made an unusual error, scoring an own goal. With just four minutes left, we didn't stop. We pushed and pushed, had shot after shot, but again, their keeper came up trumps. We fought right to the last second, and so did their keeper, pulling off one final, crucial save in the dying moments.

The game ended 2 goals to 1, a heartbreaking loss that saw Rosso Nero FC knocked out in our first-ever semi-final defeat. Our season ended one week too early, and it stings.

There are no videos this week, but we'll catch up, rest up, and then have our end-of-season trophy presentation next week.

A massive thank you to all our supporters, players, and everyone involved for an incredible season. We'll be back stronger.