Despite Gerringong taking a 1-nil lead within 10 minutes, United fought back to produce two second half goals to seal the win and earn a week off.

Gerringong will take on Culburra in the preliminary final next Saturday after they ended Illaroo season on Sunday in the minor semi-final.

Gerringong took the early ascendency through Brad Boardman, following some brilliant lead up play.

Gary Vian created the attack with an excellent switch of play that found Gary Niemeier on the wing.

Niemeier crossed the ball into the six-yard box, which found Boardman who finished coolly to make it 1-nil to Gerringong.

The two sides exchanged attacks in the first half without either getting any reward for their effort as they went to the sheds at 1-nil.

Both teams came out firing in the second half, but it was United who bounced back with a goal of their own. 

Tom Moffatt went down the left side, beating two defenders before cutting the ball into Kaine Good who made no mistake with his head, equalising for United.

United found a second soon after when veteran defender Mick Binney chipped a perfectly weighted ball over the Gerringong back four, which found Kane Good who finished clinically to give his side the lead.

Good’s second goal was enough to seal the win for United, booking a spot in the grand final and earning a week off.

United coach Trevor Skingle was pleased to record a good win over a quality Gerringong outfit.

“We’re really happy to be in the grand final but the big one is yet to come,” he said.

“I’ve said all season I think Gerringong are the team to beat, so I’m really pleased we were able to get the win, because it could have gone either way.”

Skingle said his side executed their plan well yesterday and have given themselves the best chance to go all the way.

“We had a game plan and it sort of went to plan, although we didn’t want to concede an early goal.

“We knew it was going to be a close game and I thought we handled the pressure they put on us well,” said Skingle.

Gerringong coach Craig Farquhar said his side has a lot of room for improvement and that a week off might not be a bad thing.

“I think mentally, having a big win against them last time might have worked against us a bit,” he said.

He said all year they have concentrated on their own game plan and just need to work on implementing it for 90 minutes.

“The boys worked hard and created chances but it just didn’t eventuate, so I’m not too worried about having to play again next Saturday,” said Farquhar.

The Gerringong coach credited United on their display and praised the quality of football thoughout the match.

“The quality of football on the coast here is something everyone involved should be proud of so it won’t matter who we play next week, it will be a really hard match,” said Farquhar.

Skingle was elated following United’s top three grades going through to the grand final following strong wins on Saturday.

He said it is important they keep a level head and play the way they have done for the whole year and remain focused on the task ahead.

“Nothing will change, we’ll go and train this week like we always do and watch the game on Saturday.

“The first goal is to get there but we can’t get to cocky… but I think we’ve got the side that can win it, so we’ll be giving it our best shot,” said Skingle.

The United coach said Jordan Haddow, Kane Good, Brett Ringland and Josh Mackaness put in good performances in the win, while Ben Dent, Gary Vian and Brad Boardman were the best for Gerringong.