State, Robertson and Bill Cullinan Cups a huge success at VSP
Their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Eastwood St. Andrews in the All Age Men Bill Cullinan Cup Final was a one sided affair with the Magpies having to settle for the runner?s up medal this time around.
The match begun evenly with both teams finding success by shifting play out wide as the centre of the field became congested.
In the 20th minute Miranda striker Sean Davis, found himself in space after controlling a neat cross on his chest from the right hand side and edged into the penalty box before firing a fierce shot which rattled the side netting.
A bizarre incident in the 31st minute involving an Eastwood reserve player who upon warming up on the sideline, came onto the field and handled the ball as it was heading for a corner kick in Eastwood?s advantage. He received a yellow card and caused much confusion from the large crowd on hand.
Davis continued to cause havoc to the Eastwood defence as he saw his shot skim over the crossbar after a clever move to turn his defender. Eastwood looked organized in defence as they coped with the early pressure, Lake proving instrumental in the blue?s efforts.
A long Eastwood throw deep in the Magpie half resulted in the deadlock being broken. After the throw was not cleared properly by the Magpie defence, Eastwood striker Carrig, had time to turn inside the six yard box and fire a half volley into the bottom left corner giving goalkeeper Collins no chance ten minutes before the half time whistle.
And the striker was on the scoresheet again only five minutes later after a Miranda breakdown led to a quick Eastwood counter attack. A well timed pass to blue?s winger Harte, who found himself in space down the left hand side, was able to pick out a dashing Carrig who easily slotted in from close range to put his team two up going into the break.
The Magpies tried to edge one back through a strong header which missed the mark by only inches. However, it was Eastwood who finished the stronger, almost adding a third through Isaals, who saw his volley whistle just past the Magpie upright.
The second half was an all Eastwood affair as they showed flair in attack with some quick accurate passing when going forward. The first ten minutes saw numerous physical tussles between both teams resulting in a scrappy start to the second period.
An early header by Eastwood?s Hall, saw his chance cleared off the line before Wells tried his luck for the blue and white only to be denied by an excellent fingertip save by Collins early on.
The rampage continued as Wells came close again only to be halted once more by Collins who saved just past his bottom right hand post for a corner.
As the Magpies pushed forward in urge of a much needed goal, St. Andrews put the nail in the coffin as they went three up with just over five minutes left of play. An excellent deep left-hand cross found Maple, who finished in spectacular fashion by firing a first time volley past Collins from close range.
Although the Magpies fought hard with sweeper Zinnato flawless in defence, Miranda simply lacked class and composure in the front third. The Eastwood goalkeeper was seldom tested in the second 45 and it wasn?t until a strong attempt by Smyth in the final minutes of the match was he called to action.
Miranda Magpies coach Shane Barlow said it was difficult for his team to break down the solid blue defence, congratulating Eastwood St. Andrews on their structure and organization.
?It was tough for us to break them down and they were able to finish their chances,? said Barlow.
?They played counter attacking football and were sharp and today we couldn?t hit the target.
?I thought we played well and I am very proud of the boys.
?It?s just a matter of shaking of this loss and moving forward now,? added Barlow.
On the other side, Eastwood St. Andrew?s boss Neil Wallington, was happy the dedication his team showed and especially being able to bounce back from losing a few players through injury.
?The guys obviously wanted it today, and wanted it more than the opposition? said a proud Wallington.
?They came out today, and I thought we played well.
?We didn?t let the loss yesterday or the injuries prevent us from winning,? added Wallington.
Other Results and News
Sydney FC showed their support of SRC and Sydney Cup Finals throughout the day as a number of players were available to sign autographs and encourage grassroots football across NSW.
The players who were available were Steve Corica, John Aloisi, Karol Kisel, Shannon Cole, Mitch Prentice, Kofi Danning, Rhyan Grant, Matt Jurman and Brandan Renaud.
The whole day was deemed ?very successful with a great showing of football and no hiccups? according to Football NSW Competition Secretary, Larry Grant.
In other results:
U/16 Women?s State Cup Final
Colo SC def Bexley North 3-2 (Golden Goal)
U/11 Boys Sydney Cup Final
Balgownie def Castle Hill United 4-1
U/14 Women?s State Cup Final
Bossley Sports def Lilli Pilli FC 2-1
U/15 Boys Sydney Cup Final
Warilla JFC def Balgownie FC 2-1
U/12 Women?s State Cup Final
Bossley Sports def Parklea SC 0-0 (3-2 penalties)
U/14 Boys State Cup Final
Wakehurst def Auburn District 1-0
U/13 Boys Sydney Cup Final
AC United def Penrith FC 2-1
U/18 State Cup Final
Lilli Pilli FC def Wakehurst 2-0
U/18 Women?s State Cup Final
Springwood SC def Beacon Hill 8-1
All Age Women?s State Cup Final
University of Wollongong def Cronulla RSL 3-0
U/12 Boys State Cup Final
Leichhardt Tigers def Glossodia 2-0
U/16 State Cup Final
Lilli Pilli FC def Brookvale 3-0
U/17 Boys Sydney Cup Final
Inter Lions def Enfield Rovers 2-0
U/21 Robertson Cup Final
Kemps Creek United def Gymea 4-0
All Age Men Bill Cullinan Cup Final
Eastwood St Andrews def Miranda Magpies 3-0
Over 35?s Cup Final
Castle Hill United def Gymea 2-0
-Reporting by Caetano Lima
