GAWLER Eagles suffered a hiccup on their way to the State League 2 soccer finals, succumbing to Port Adelaide Pirates 0-3 on Saturday at Karbeethan Reserve.

The Eagles dominated play for the opening 15 minutes, but were unable to find a way through the Pirates’ defence.

After a defensive lapse, Port Adelaide’s Samuel Sesay put his side up 1-0, stunning the home Gawler crowd.

The Eagles were easily rattled following the opener and soon found themselves 0-2 down, after Mitch Anderson doubled the Pirates’ lead in the 27th minute.

Gawler’s Pierre Ndayirata was then given a yellow card, which capped off a dirty first half for the side.

The Eagles were unable to find a way past Port Adelaide goalkeeper Reed Kaluza, but the Pirates were having more luck in front of goal as Anderson soon scored his second.

Despite the poor result, Gawler secured second-place status on the table and is now preparing for the finals.

In the reserves, the Eagles lost 2-3 to Port Adelaide Pirates.

Michael Tattoli scored the first goal only three minutes in, with Darien Kurbatfinski doubling the lead at the 40-minute mark.

With the Pirates leading 2-0 at half-time, the Eagles tried to rally, but fell 0-3 behind following Tattoli’s second.

Gawler was fortunate to score two consolation goals through Patrick Moses and Igor Lino.