2024 Sapphire Cup Final Preview
It’s the second edition of the Sapphire Cup and a new Champion will be crowned on Wednesday night at Valentine Sports Park as the Northern Tigers take on Sydney University SFC in what promises to be a wonderful spectacle between two quality outfits.
It’s a return to the big dance for the Tigers who were in the same place twelve months ago when they were defeated by APIA Leichhardt FC in the final at Leichhardt Oval.
Redemption is certainly on the cards for Chris Wood’s side as several players feature in that squad who hope to be celebrating on Wednesday evening following their heart breaking loss in 2023.
The road to the final was done in style early in the Cup competition.
The Tigers comfortably overcame Association sides Terrigal United and Banksia Tigers in the opening rounds before their first NPL Women’s NSW opponents Gladesville Ravens were also brushed aside.
They faced a tougher task in the semi final against NWS Spirit, coming from behind to book their place in the final with goals from inspirational captain Hannah McNulty and star attacker Lily McMahon.
McMahon and Nicola Dominikovich will be key in the front third, leading the club’s scoring charts with some potent finishing that has seen the dynamic duo on 13 goals for the year. Both have shown on any given day they can change the team’s fortunes with Wood hoping the two fire on Wednesday. The likes of other notable players such as Josie Wilson, Isabel Gomez, Abby Middleton, Olivia Cartwright and keeper Aimee Hall will also be ones to watch out for.
It has been a tough season for Sydney University SFC filled with inconsistencies, but have shown the ability to hurt any opponent they come up against on their day.
The Oz Rowley coached side started their run in the Cup by dismantling association side the Flying Bats, putting eight goals passed them.
Next were some tough fixtures, first Manly United, then Football NSW League One heavyweights Hills United before beating Sydney Olympic by the odd goal to book their place in the grand final.
You can’t look beyond Talia Kapetanellis who has been a stand out throughout the campaign and a definite player to watch out for in Wednesday’s game. Her performances have no doubt caught the attention of several Liberty A-League women’s clubs who have seen the ace attacker in fine form this year where she’s notched up 14 goals. Along with Kapetanellis fellow teammates Annabel Martin, Anna Hunt, Ashley Irwin, Amelia Feeney and Jaime Beaufils will be some of the other stars to watch out for from the Uni squad.
Both teams couldn’t be separated when they met in their round 13 clash in a match that saw a six-goal thriller with the game ending 3-3. Dominikovich grabbed a double while McMahon also struck with Uni’s Emily Brewster scoring two and Kapetanellis also getting on the scoresheet for Uni.
The Tigers have been impressive in front of goal, coming into this one as the NPL Women’s NSW’s top scorers, while Uni have secured three clean sheets in their last four games.
It promises to be an exciting game with drama and excitement set to take place at the home of football.
By – Nikola Pozder
*Catch the Sapphire Cup Final this Wednesday at Valentine Sports Park with kick-off set for 7:15pm.
Can’t make it? We have you covered as the match will be streamed live on Football NSW’s YouTube Channel with Nikola Pozder and Will Konstantinidis calling the match.
