Cessnock are now one win away from a Newcastle Rugby League decider while Central have bowed out of the finals series in straight sets.
The Goannas defeated the Butcher Boys 22-16 in an enthralling minor semi at Townson Oval on Sunday, scoring 16 unanswered points in the second half.
Cessnock, who finished the regular season in fourth spot, progress to meet Macquarie at Lyall Peacock Field in Saturday's preliminary final.
Central, ranked second after reaching the play-offs with a 10-match unbeaten streak, are eliminated and can no longer break the club's long-standing premiership drought.
The Butcher Boys crossed three times during the first half and led 16-6 at the break.
The Goannas responded in kind throughout the second stanza, pulling level in the 54th minute and breaking the deadlock soon after with a Sam Clune penalty goal.
Harvey Neville's try in the 66th minute gave the Coalfields club a six-point advantage, but a final result hung in the balance until the full-time whistle.
Central were without key regulars Randall Briggs, Warren Schillings (suspended) and Junior Roqica (injury).
