Mens State League 1 Grand Final Preview
We are finally down to the big one in the Men’s State League 1 competition, with Hakoah Sydney City East FC up against heavyweight rival Northbridge FC in Sunday afternoons Grand Final, to be played at the historic Lambert Park.
In a fitting end to a captivating season, the two best teams throughout the year will battle it out to see who will be crowned Champions for season 2014.
Premiers Hakoah will come into the Grand Final clash looking for a treble of sorts in season 2014, the side impressively wrapped up the Premiership with three rounds to spare and also won the Club Championship this year, so a win in this weekend’s Grand Final will complete a truly remarkable year for the club.
Coach Mark Robertson’s side has played quality football all season long and will call on a wealth of experience for the big day, starting with captain Neil Jablonski, who is no stranger to the big occasion. In the midfield Jordan Mundell and recent signing Gavin Rae will look to control the tempo of the game, while upfront the ever present Lloyd Owusu will look to continue his stellar season. And who can forget current President and right back Michael Katz, who will be looking to go out a winner in his last game before retiring.
The always humble Mark Robertson is looking forward to the weekends action,” I respect every team in the league and Northbridge are no different, every time we play them it’s a great game. The two best teams have made it in my opinion, and I think it will be a great day considering the friendly competition between the two clubs”.
Coach Robertson was also quick to point out his troops will be hungrier than ever despite a successful year, “Throughout the year we haven’t celebrated anything yet because we know in this country and in this league it all comes down to the Grand Final, and hopefully on Sunday we will be able to reflect on the year with a win”.
For Northbridge, this week’s clash will make it two Grand Finals in a row, with the side also making it to the big dance last year. The ‘Bridge’ finished second in this year’s regular season and have played some sparkling football of their own this year, going up another gear in the finals series to secure their shot at glory.
Northbridge have an all-star cast of their own to call upon, including club captain Ricky Woodward, who will look to lead his team from the centre of the park along with dynamic midfield partner Marquin Smith. The defence will be marshalled by arguably the best centre-back in the competition in Jay Wynter. Right-back Lee Jones has popped up with some crucial goals in recent weeks and his threat will loom large this week, while the skilful Paul Orgad has the capability to break open any game with his vision and touch.
Coach Joe Haywood knows his side has the game to come out on top, “We are relaxed going into the final because we know we have the game to beat them, it’s just a matter of actually going out there and getting the job done. It’ll be difficult, and we know they are clinical in front of goal. It’s first versus second so I think it’s definitely going to be a worthy Grand Final with the two best teams in the league all year”.
Coach Haywood also stressed his players are ready to seize the moment, “We were fortunate to end up with a good league position and now it’s just a case of going out and winning something this year, that’s what all the boys are striving for. I’ve got a full squad now and choosing the line-up will be difficult for the weekend”.
Both sides play an attractive attacking game and each contest this season between the two sides has provided enthralling clashes, Hakoah having the edge so far by winning each game by a solitary goal.
It can’t be denied that these two teams bring out the best in each other, and the stage is set for what promises to be an epic finale to wrap up the year.
Season 2014 Head to Head
Round 6 – Hakoah 3 Northbridge 2
Round 17 – Northbridge 2 Hakoah 3
Semi Final – Hakoah 2 Northbridge 1
Grade 20 – Hakoah Sydney City East FC v Dulwich Hill FC
After finishing second in the regular season by two points, a 2-1 victory over Northbridge in the major semi-final saw Hakoah book their spot into this week’s decider. They will be looking to finish the year with a bang and will be well rested after having last week off.
Dulwich Hill have reached this year’s Grand Final the hard way, after finishing 4th in the regular season it’s been elimination games throughout the whole finals series. Last week’s tight 1-0 victory over Premiers Northbridge booked their ticket, and the side will head into the clash full of momentum.
Grand Final Match Day Schedule – 21st September 2014 at Lambert Park
U16’s – Western NSW Mariners FC v Hakoah Sydney City East FC 9:00 AM
U18’s – Western NSW Mariners FC v Hawkesbury City SC 11.15 AM
U20’s – Hakoah Sydney City East FC v Dulwich Hill FC 2:30 PM
First Grade – Hakoah Sydney City East FC v Northbridge FC 4:45 PM
– By Diego Munoz
