Fraser Park crowned State League Men Champions
What a difference two weeks can make! Fraser Park produced a performance to remember to overcome Premiers Central Coast United in the State League Men’s 2019 grand final and be crowned champions.
The team from Sydney’s inner west took control of the fixture early on and were rewarded with a Luiz Lobo individual effort. From there on in, they didn’t relent and honestly deserved to trouble the scorers once again.
In contrast, it was a rare off night for the premiers. Despite this, they did come into the contest as the minutes ticked on and nearly stole a late equalizer if not for a remarkable save.
As with the previous meetings between the two sides, the game took a while to get cooking with Jarred Steen and Luiz Lobo both having a respective chance at either end.
It was Fraser Park who were being allowed to dictate the tempo though and had the first clear cut opportunity on goal through Shu Torihara. Torihara was played through on goal by Cam Philpot before his shot proved too easy for Central Coast United keeper Jack OMally to save.
They weren’t going to miss again though and who else but Luiz Lobo to break the deadlock. Cutting inside his too defenders from the right before finishing into the far side of the net with his left foot.
Central Coast United struggled to muster a response before the break as Fraser Park continued to pepper their goal, with the only exception being an Alex Arbelo shot which took a deflection before going out for a corner.
The half time break did however do them wonders as they came out with more conviction creating a few more chances during the second half.
That’s not too say Fraser Park didn’t have their chances though as they threatened consistently on the counter through the likes of Eric Tomesek, Shu Torihara and Luiz Lobo.
A late flurry saw Central Coast United’s best period of the game. With a Graham Toope header which hit the crossbar from an Adam Woodbine corner. Before with just seconds remaining an Adam Woodbine header after running late into the box was saved remarkably by Fraser Park keeper Thomas Alston down to his right.
Central Coast United coach Stu Davis was quick to pay tribute to his opposition. “Today we lost to the better team, Fraser Park particularly in the first half outplayed us, and deserved their success. Maybe could’ve been different with a bit of luck”
“As a club this season, we’ve won six of the seven trophies available (including the 18’s and 20’s today). It’s been a hugely successful year and we can’t wait to play NPL3 next season.”
Fraser Park coach Renato Jelen was delighted with his team’s effort during the match. “It was like a real final; we took control of the game during the first half whilst they controlled much of the second. Luiz Lobo and Thomas Alston were incredible this afternoon.”
“But as a team and a unit today, they worked for each other and showed a real desire to win. We didn’t want to go away from the season empty handed and it showed.”
Man of the match Luiz Lobo reflected on his goal and teams performance. “The team fought to the end and Thomas (Alston) deserved a goal as much as me. I’ve been trying to score that goal all season and it came at the right time.”
Match Stats:
Sunday 15th September, 2019
Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood
Referee: J. Lewis
Assistant Referees: J. Adabjou & P. Tezeki
4th official: D. Richards
Central Coast United: 0
Fraser Park: 1 (Lobo 14’)
Central Coast United: 1. Jack OMally, 2. Jack Ragen, 6. Oscar Torres Inchaustti (16. Nathan Cowell), 8. Scott Mcginley, 10. Alexander Arbelo (99. Thomas Lyons), 12. Graham Toope, 14. Geordie Howe, 20. Yuki Morikawa, 24. Daniel Mcfarlane, 30. Adam Woodbine, 31. Jarred Steen (7. Corey Atkinson).
Subs Not Used: 21. Tom Marsh, 73. Jakeb Brownlow.
Fraser Park: 41. Thomas Alston, 2. Talan Myers, 4. Alexis Wenzel, 7. Christian Soares, 8. Dominic Siu, 10. Luiz Lobo (17. Christian Mura), 11. Shu Torihara, 13. Rodrigo Cataldi, 16. Eric Tomesek, 18. Kaito Tokumoto, 21. Cam Philpot.
Subs Not Used: 1. Casey Madon, 5. Edilson Farias, 19. 19. Alexander Guerrieri, 33. Miles Beeston.
U20’s Grand Final Result: Central Coast United 3-2 Nepean FC.
U18’s Grand Final Result: Central Coast United 2-1 Nepean FC.
For the last time in 2019. By Justin Smith (@smiththejustin)
