JAKE Ferguson starred for Orana Spurs on Sunday as his three-goal performance against Macquarie United propelled Spurs into this weekend's Dubbo and District Soccer grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Third-placed Spurs took on second-placed Macquarie for the right to take on Dubbo FC in the decider and Ferguson led his side to 3-2 victory.
"It was a really tough game," Spurs president Mark Polley said.
"But the guys dug in and were committed and were able to get the result.
"Every time we've played them (Macquarie) they've been tough to compete with and the boys knew they'd bring it again on the weekend but I think it was just our tenacity which got us over the line."
For Macquarie it brought to an end a hugely successful first season in the competition and while they fell just short of a grand final spot, Alan Auld and his men showed throughout the season they can mix it with the best.
After an opening 20 minutes which saw chances created at both ends Spurs took the led when Ferguson slotted his first of the afternoon.
His second doubled the advantage and while Macquarie brought one back the striker made sure of his side's lead with his third of the match.
Macquarie scored their second to set up a nervy ending and despite Spurs having a man sent off late in the match they hung on to set up a clash with the minor premiership winning Bulls.
Jarrod Corby continued his strong recent form in the win but there was only one choice for man of the match and Polley said Spurs were lucky to have a player of Ferguson's quality.
"He got the three goals and he was really committed, he was a standout and set the level for all the other players to play to," he said.
"At this level you need a good striker and he's one of the best here."
Spurs couldn't book themselves a second spot on grand final day as their highly-fancied second grade side went down to South Dubbo Wanderers.
The Wanderers ensured they'd feature in two grand finals with a win in third grade as well while Wellington got past RSL 78s in the women's match to also advance to the final against Dubbo FC.
The women's second division final will see the Dubbo City Rangers take on the North West Falcons.