The NSW Super League continues to surprise! With minutes to go (and with a man advantage over St George) Northern Tigers were leading 2-1; but gave away a silly free-kick 25m out. Substitute Ivo De Jesus swung and curled the ball over the wall past Tigers 'keeper Stuart Page to send the semi-final game into extra time, and ultimately to penalties.

Despite 8 yellow cards and a resultant red, it was not a violent match. Saints had gone down to 10 men with a second yellow in the 64th minute for David Smith for a lazy tackle on live-wire Tigers 17 year old midfielder Max Glanville. Glanville was substituted soon after in a move that coach Jason Eager regretted after the game.

After the usual first-up approach of poking the respective sides defences the first real opening came when Tigers captain Paul Davies made a run down the right and cut the ball in - but his cross was cut out. A few minutes later he got forward again but his cross cleared the defence and evaded any follow up by his team-mates.

Saints took first blood when David Smith took a corner from the left and headed home. 0-1

Davies again! In the 25th minute. This time he took responsibility for a free-kick 25m out on the left. His forceful strike deflected off a defender and then beat Daniel Nash in the Saints goal, bulging the net on the right side. 1-1

Two minutes later Saints had a chance to equalise. Denis Cutura was brought down by Lucas Dawson in the penalty area. The penalty was duly awarded by Referee Jason Blackwood, and Juan Chavez stepped up to take it - hitting it to the left of Stuart Page but the 'keeper has gone to correct way - and was able to push the shot around the left upright.

Action mounted in the mid-half when first Max Glanville made a run that ended with Davies shot being blocked and cleared, while at the other end Brad Gibson made a run in from the right trying to chip the keeper but it was touched over.

The Saints ended the half stronger with first Cutura and then Crevani getting into dangerous positions without really testing the Tigers custodian.

Seven minutes into the second half Davies turned provider with a header across to Tom Spencer; who slotted it home. 2-1

Saints were still in the game though and one minute later Chevez beat Davies for the ball, and cut inside crossing to Cutura - who alas blasted it over!

Both teams tested each other out through the half without looking like scoring but in the 88th minute the Tigers gave away a silly free-kick just outside of the area. By this tme, though down to 10-men, the Saints had rung some changes, including bringing on wily veteran Ivo De Jesus. He curled the ball over the wall and into the net. 2-2 and game back on.

The Saints started extra time well but were fading toward the end, burdened with the extra work of one man down; yet the Tigers had little firepower left - so it went to penalties.

Penalty scorecard: NT Davies miss onto the crossabr, SG Crevani relicated the miss, NT Rolston in, SG Cutura in, NY Doran in, SG Ceveini in, NT Dawson in, SG De Jesus in, NT Baveas miss onto the crossbar, then SG captain Verrender in! St George won 5-4 on penalties.

Saints play Parramatta at Melita at 3pm next Saturday, and Tigers host Spirit at Mills on the same afternoon.

Other semi and the Under 20: Semi Finals: First Grade: Spirit FC 3 (S Wright 85m D Cunningham 93m T Simpson 107m) Macarthur Rams 2 (Own goal 28m S Messam 76m) AET (2-2 F/T). Grade 20: Central Coast Lightning 1 - St George FC 3 AET (1-1 F/T). Grade 20: Parramatta Eagles 2 - Spirit FC 1