Central Coast Lightning strikes at the Manchester United Premier Cup
With a prize of a trip to England and a chance to compete at Old Trafford for the Oceania champions Central Coast won their final round robin game 3-0 against Premier club Bankstown City Lions to gain 2nd spot in Group B behind the impressive Blacktown City FC club which was unbeaten in the group and gained 1st position.
Central Coast gained the coveted spot in the quarters by the barest possible margin after being equal with other clubs in the group on three points, equal with Sydney United on goal difference but beat the Edensor Park team by having scored one extra goal in the early rounds.
In Group A, it was the Marconi Stallions attempting to emulate last season?s Under 15?s who were victorious in the Oceania group and travelled to England for the finals. The Stallions were also unbeaten in their Group, whilst Sydney Olympic came from the clouds in the final preliminary game to snatch 2nd spot on goal difference from South Coast Wolves.
Group C saw the outstanding West Sydney Berries gain first position after being undefeated from the 2nd placed Sutherland Sharks who the Berries beat to gain the top spot.
In the final Group D we had another undefeated Premier club in Manly United grab top spot from the tenacious Apia Leichhardt Tigers to round off all quarter final positions for tomorrow?s final day of competition.
The quarter finals begin at Valentine Sports Park, tomorrow (Sunday 21st February) at 10.00am with the reigning champion club Marconi Stallions meeting the Super League giant killers Central Coast Lightning battling for the right to play the winner of the Blacktown City FC versus Sydney Olympic match in the semi finals.
On the other side of the competition 11.00am it will be West Sydney Berries and APIA Leichhardt Tigers doing battle for the right to challenge the winner of the Manly United and Sutherland Sharks quarter final in the semi finals.
The Semi Finals will be played at 4.00pm with the Final of the Manchester United Premier Cup tournament being played at 6.00pm.
The day will be supplemented by Grade 11 and 12 Metropolitan Representative League matches between Southern Districts and Central Coast Lightning at 12.00pm and 1.00pm.
Larry Grant
Head of Competitions (Acting)
