St George Association crowned 2011 Frank Broughton Cup Champions
Despite the muddy conditions, both teams were able to showcase brilliant technique and skills during spells throughout the game.
It was Macarthur who took charge of the game early on. Buoyed from winning the penalty shoot out during the semi-final against Southern Districts, Aidan Limbrey tore through the midfield as he initiated the Macarthur attack.
Macarthur?s Matthew Williams threaded the ball through to Billy Lampert in the 8th minute, but St George defender Alexander Lasovski did enough to prevent Lampert from getting a shot on goal.
Macarthur?s Jordan Ashe had an attempt on goal from the edge of the area, but the muddy turf stymied his shot and it barely troubled St George keeper Daniel Di Stefano.
St George?s Oliver Olsen had his own long-range effort, but Macarthur keeper Nathan Rapley easily secured the shot.
Towering midfielder Dauntae Mariner was instrumental in Macarthur?s attack throughout the game, presenting Jacob Beggs with another opportunity in the box, but the Macarthur were again denied by a solid St George defence.
St George began to kick into gear, with Bailey Rule?s shot on the Macarthur goal deflecting off a Macarthur defender in the 22nd minute.
It was the start of things to come for St George.
The Saints began producing more of the same in the second half, and wave after wave of attacking play resulted in a corner.
Alexander Lasovski?s corner found the head of Donovan Papoulios, netting the first goal in the 30th minute.
Saints midfielder Brad Rapaport continued to trouble the Macarthur defence with a long-range effort that went inches wide.
Macarthur came agonising close to equalising in the 35th minute, with the slippery conditions making for some scrappy St George defending in the box.
Macarthur?s Callum Watt sent a perfectly placed free-kick into the box but the his strikers couldn?t convert the chance into a goal.
The Saints finally secured the final when they presented with another corner kick in the 45th minute.
Macarthur keeper Nathan Rapley looked like he was going to secure Alexander Lasovski?s corner kick, but the slippery conditions got the better of him and John Papagelis netted the winner for St George.
Macarthur Coach Greg Clarkson couldn?t hide his disappointment at the end of the match, but applauded his side for trying to play good football at all times.
“To make it as far as we did with only 14 players was quite an achievement and the boys always came out to play football, nothing else,?? Clarkson said.
St George coach Con Papadopolous said good form on day one gave his players the confidence they needed against tougher opponents.
“We had a great early run and we were able to keep it going against the really tough teams like Manly and Sutherland,?? Papadopolous said.
“The first-half was quite sloppy and it there was an element of fatigue in there too, but we started to really play our game in the second half and all the boys did what was needed, they played like winners.??
St George 2 (Donovan Papoulis 30, John Papagelis 45) Macarthur 0
For all the 2011 Frank Broughton Cup results click here
