Waratah Cup Final 2012 Preview: APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Sutherland Sharks

APIA-Leichhardt has been one of the more impressive sides over the course of the season, though the side?s results have suggested otherwise. John Turner has instilled a positive brand of football, and the second-half showing away at Bonnyrigg White Eagles last weekend showed just how good the team from Sydney?s Inner West can be.
The Tigers quest for Cup glory gained momentum in the quarter-final defeat of stern rival, Marconi Stallions. The side has been bolstered by the additions of Mun-Soo Gil and Andrew Bevin this season, with the latter making a big impression with his goal scoring and creative abilities.
John Turner will be looking at his experienced campaigners to lift for the Final. Franco Parisi, Michael Hawrysiuk, Michael West and Stephen Kayes above all have been around the traps for a long while now and will each be hoping to add to what has been a lean spell for silverware at the club.
Two goal hero from the recent win at Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Ethan Gailbraith, however will not be eligible for the Final. The striker?s uncharacteristic second yellow card in injury-time at Bonnyrigg saw the referee send the Tigers? number 9 off, ruling him out of the Tigers? biggest match of the season.
Sutherland Sharks has provided followers of both the Waratah Cup and NSW Premier League with some exceptional displays this season, perfect delivery of the football philosophy coach Robbie Stanton has instilled at the club.
The Sharks have maintained their physical style of play, all in the while ensuring to keep playing the ball out from the back and avoid being forced to change their style when pressured by their opponents.
Most impressive of the Sharks Cup campaign thus far has been the wins against Blacktown City FC, Fraser Park and Manly United FC.
Despite qualifying for the Final, Sutherland Sharks have struggled to get results in recent weeks. Of most concern is the recent loss at Manly United FC, where the players failed to offer much enthusiasm in a dour display.
A bonus for the side will be the return of captain George Souris following his lengthy injury. The Sharks? veteran was on the bench at Manly United last weekend, and could well see game time on Sunday.
Stanton will however be without Jim Bakis following a most uncharacteristic sending off at Cromer Park that will see him ineligible. The Sharks too will need their more experienced players to be on the ball such as Nick Stavroulakis, Chris Price ,Matt Gordon but no one more so than playmaker Panni Nikas.
In a Final to be played at a neutral venue between two sides that are desperate to add silverware to their trophy cabinets, action a plenty is expected at the picturesque Cromer Park.
2012 Waratah Cup Final
Sun 8/Jul 3:00 PM         APIA-Leichhardt Tigers ? Sutherland Sharks   Cromer Park
Tickets: Adults $10.00; Students/Concession $5.00; U/16 Free entry.
Gates open at 1:15 pm.                                                                                     
-By Joseph Carlucci