Marconi to take on Sydney United 58 in TAFE NSW Waratah Cup Final
Two former National Soccer League giants in the form of the Marconi Stallions and Sydney United 58 will lock horns for this year’s first piece of silverware, namely the TAFE NSW Waratah Cup Final to be played on Sunday 14th July, after winning their semi-final matches respectively on Wednesday evening.
Hensley Athletic Field played host to the Marconi Stallions and Manly United clash and it was Peter Tsekenis men who put away their inconsistent NPL NSW Men’s form with a solid 2-0 victory.
The first goal came via the penalty spot in the 17th minute as Richie Cardozo was brought down by youngster Lachlan McGrath, who was deputizing for the suspended Travis Oughtred. Up stepped Marko Jesic who smashed his shot in the top left corner leaving Dylan Mitchell with no chance pushing the Stallions to a 1-0 lead.
It was game, set and match in the 72nd minute when a strong James Andrew run saw his shot deflect off a Manly foot to all but assure the Stallions were taking part in a Waratah Cup Final, their first since 2010 where they won it thanks to a 7-6 penalty shootout win over Spirit FC.
It was a five-goal thriller across Sydney’s West at Edensor Park as Sydney United 58 needed a 90th minute winner to secure their spot in the big dance.
The game turned to life in the second half as all five goals were incredibly scored when Patrick Antelmi struck first in the 50th minute after a goal mouth scramble off a Sebastian Gallegos free-kick. Antlemi reacted first to the scene and put the home team in front.
That lead lasted till the 61st minute when Saints skipper Hussein Akil scored a great goal that rocked the United 58 defence.
Antelmi was at it again in the 74th minute when his near post run was well spotted by Peter Simonoski who drove in a neat ball with the attacker bagging his second of the game.
Wally Savor’s men just wouldn’t let go however and with his first touch, Saints substitute Kevin Lopes banged home yet another equaliser and it was game on once more.
With the game destined for extra-time, United 58 threw one last hurrah and it was an incredible Matt Sim long ball that found Peter Simonoski lurking outside the box, with the former Wolves marksman controlling superbly, composing himself finishing off well beyond Anthony Costa’s net to book the Reds a ticket to the Cup Final on Sunday 14th of July.
It will be an opportunity for Sydney United 58 to clinch their seventh Waratah Cup after taking it out in 1974, 1995, 1996, 2005, 2015 and 2016 – with the possibility of equaling Hakoah Sydney City East’s record of seven Waratah Cup triumphs.
Both teams have met twice already in the NPL NSW Men’s competition with the Stallions smashing United 58 5-0 in their round 6 home clash before both teams played out a scoreless draw in their round 17 encounter at Edensor Park.
Football NSW will announce full details of the 2019 TAFE NSW Waratah Cup Final in the coming days.
“Be a Game changer”, get involved with TAFE NSW now as TAFE NSW offers over 1,200 courses with a wide range of study options from online courses to diplomas and degrees, training and full-time education – click here for more information
