THEY routed defending champions Lake Albert 7-1, but Leeton United coach Frank Alampi reserved most praise for his makeshift defence after they booked their place in the Pascoe Cup finals on Sunday.
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Needing to beat the Sharks at home in the last round fixture to guarantee a finals spot, Adam Raso scored four goals to seal Leeton an elimination final date with Young next week.
Leeton was missing regular defenders Jarred Flynn, Dan McKenzie and Nick Trifogli through suspension, but Cody Peet and Alexander Dean were superb in their place alongside skipper Joey Fondacaro.
The Sharks were also severely depleted, but Leeton will enter finals full of confidence after also beating minor premiers Hanwood 1-0 last week.
Leeton lost to Young, who went on to make the grand final, in last year's week one elimination final.
"We had a patched-up defence and they were outstanding, but I didn't relax until the fifth one (goal) went in," Alampi said.
"These blokes are confident all the time, that's one thing I don't have to worry about."
Leeton have some injury concerns before next week with Connor Edenden (glute) and Pablo Quarin both picking up knocks.
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