Six weeks ago, the top four spot South United had in their sights at the start of the season looked a long way off.
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With two draws and just the one win, they were languishing towards the bottom of the table.
But on the back of a stunning resurgence culminating in a 3-nil triumph over Quirindi on Saturday, and a final round twist, Souths will take on minor premiers Oxley Vale Attunga next Saturday for a shot at the grand final.
"We're elated," manager Wayne Clark said.
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Two points behind fourth-placed Gunnedah and three of third-placed North Companions going into Saturday, Moore Creek's upset 3-1 win over Companions saw Souths sneak into fourth ahead of them on goal difference.
With Companions playing just a couple of fields over, Clark did duck over to see the state of play just before half-time. Happily reporting back that the Mountain Goats were up 2-nil, Souths' dared to dream.
About 45 minutes later that dream became a reality.
"Very proud of the boys, they came home with a wet sail (they won four in-a-row)," Clark said.
"We've worked hard, and first year in the comp we're ecstatic (to make finals)."
It won't just be the Lightning first grade side chasing a spot in the grand final next week either with the reserve grade side finishing third.
Stepping up to the top flight this year, they knew it was going to be a challenge but Clark and coach Justin Pendergast believed in their potential.
It was a matter of getting the side to click.
"We dragged a lot of new players across to the club, which helped fill both teams, and we wanted to get that roll on and everyone to click together," Clark said.
"We were always hopeful of getting into the top four."
"Half-way through the season it didn't look realistic."
But through a lot of hard work from the players and Pendergast they were able to turn things around.
"It's great reward for the dedication the boys have shown," he said.
He said he wasn't actually that surprised by the Moore Creek result, having predicted it in their group chat the night before.
"I said look Moore Creek are going to beat the North Comp boys, so we need to be on song tomorrow," he said.
And they were.
"The boys were really thorough with their ball work across the paddock and their structure was really fantastic, just if we could finish a little bit better, that's probably the only thing," he said.
It will be a big ask next week against the might of the Mushies but they aren't daunted by the assignment.
"I'm confident against OVA next week, it's always a pressure cooker when it's a knock out final," Clark said.
"It's 1 v 4, so we'll be the underdogs, but underdogs carry a lot of weight in those sort of situations."
"The boys have just got to finish their chances and I think we'll be right there in the hunt."
