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Can these Foxes continue their fairytale run? Two weeks ago, Fernhill's District League campaign looked over. Now, they are two wins away from an unlikely grand final berth. Sitting in seventh heading into the last round, the Foxes made the finals with a rousing 2-0 win over Unanderra. They then secured a thrilling penalty shootout win against Helensburgh last week. So what has the key to to their success? Foxes coach Dale White thinks it's a growing "belief" within the team. "We just believe in ourselves a bit," he said. "A bit of doubt crept in earlier in the season after we lost a couple [of games]. We had a talk together and I said 'which way do you want the season to go? Do you want to just enjoy it, or knuckle down and have a crack'? "The boys believe in each other now and back themselves in." Read more: Bellambi unveil new Illawarra Premier League coach for 2021 season The Foxes now face a must-win semi-final on Saturday against Unanderra at Ray Robinson Oval. After the Hearts lost 3-2 to Picton last week, White expects to meet a "fired up" Unanderra. "They've lost their last two after I think going on an eight-game winning streak," White said. "But [Hearts coach] Rod Williams is pretty smart. He'll have them clued in, so our boys are going to have to be switched on." Read more: Why the Illawarra Premier League matters in 2020 In Saturday's other final, minor premiers Oak Flats will take on the Rangers at King Mickey Oval. The Falcons are fresh after a week off, with the winner set to gain a ticket straight to this year's District League grand final on October 31. The loser of this final will meet the winner of Unanderra versus Fernhill next week.
FOCUSED: Fernhill's Lachy Calder looks to control possession during a Frat Cup game against Wollongong Olympic earlier this year. Picture: John Carusi
Can these Foxes continue their fairytale run?
Two weeks ago, Fernhill's District League campaign looked over. Now, they are two wins away from an unlikely grand final berth.
Sitting in seventh heading into the last round, the Foxes made the finals with a rousing 2-0 win over Unanderra. They then secured a thrilling penalty shootout win against Helensburgh last week.
So what has the key to to their success? Foxes coach Dale White thinks it's a growing "belief" within the team.
"We just believe in ourselves a bit," he said.
"A bit of doubt crept in earlier in the season after we lost a couple [of games]. We had a talk together and I said 'which way do you want the season to go? Do you want to just enjoy it, or knuckle down and have a crack'?
"The boys believe in each other now and back themselves in."
The Foxes now face a must-win semi-final on Saturday against Unanderra at Ray Robinson Oval. After the Hearts lost 3-2 to Picton last week, White expects to meet a "fired up" Unanderra.
"They've lost their last two after I think going on an eight-game winning streak," White said.
"But [Hearts coach] Rod Williams is pretty smart. He'll have them clued in, so our boys are going to have to be switched on."
