Manly United do the historic double in 2017
Quite simply, Manly United’s dynamic on field performances this season will never be forgotten.
The club from Sydney’s northern beaches ensured they will forever be in Football NSW’s record books after snaring a jaw dropping club double.
Last Sunday’s victory over APIA Leichhardt Tigers on penalties in the Grand Final of the PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition followed the success of Manly’s women winning their big dance versus Macarthur Rams on August 27.
“Manly United is proud to be the first club in Football NSW history to be crowned champions in both the men’s and women’s competitions in the same season,” said Manly United CEO David Mason.
“Both the men’s and women’s first grade sides were full of local juniors, which shows we are developing tremendous pathways at Manly United for all local kids.
“It is also a fantastic reward for (club Technical Directors) Warren Grieve and Sharon Egger, who have implemented first class football programs for boys and girls, men and women from the under-6 Development squads right through to the triumphant first grade sides.”
The road to glory for Warren Grieve’s men’s squad was brutal after finishing fourth in the season proper.
First up was an elimination semi-final against Sydney Olympic FC, which United won 2-1 at Cromer Park.
Blacktown City FC were the next squad sent packing, with Manly impressing plenty following a 2-0 triumph at Lily Homes Stadium.
Rockdale City Suns then were left pondering what may have been after losing their qualifying final 4-3 on penalties, with APIA the final hurdle at Leichhardt Oval.
Dylan Mitchell again was the hero, with the Manly goalkeeper producing big time for the second time in just over a week in a shootout to secure the silverware.
With teenager striker Remy Siemsen in electric form, United’s women, who finished second after 18 rounds, entered the finals series in a confident mood.
A 3-2 win in the major semi-final versus the highly fancied Macarthur at Lynwood Park saw Manly move straight into the decider.
The Rams were their opponent again, and Norm Boardman’s squad looked in ominous touch, taking an early 2-0 lead.
Chris Williams’s Manly outfit refused to panic, and a Siemsen hat-trick saw them win an absolute belter of a grand final, 4-3.
Football has always been a sleeping giant on the peninsula – and if Manly United’s twin success this year is any guide, the giant is now not only dormant, he is roaring.
