State League One Grand Final Preview
The Division One season comes to an end this weekend when Hills Brumbies take on Fairfield City Lions in the Grand Final on Saturday afternoon.
It is difficult to believe that the season has gone by so fast ? the thrills and spills, the trials and tribulations, the spectacular goals, the breathtaking saves, the drama of last minute winners ? it all comes down to one final ninety minutes, and who?s courageous enough to say this match won?t have all of the above?
Fairfield City Lions were the first team into the 2010 Grand Final, blowing away Blacktown Spartans 4-0 in the first semi final, and then accounting for Hills Brumbies 4-3 in a cliff hanger two weeks ago.
The victory over Hills, however, came at a price for Fairfield with Tony Gabriel and Yavos Ekinci both red carded, and both now suspended for the big one.
Ekinci, especially, is a massive loss, having scored no less than 21 goals this season from central midfield, and picking up the competition?s golden boot in the process.
The Lions still have plenty of weapons at their disposal, and will look to skipper, Robbie Issa, and brother George, for their big match experience to steer them around the park.
Ozcan Cetinay has had a fantastic season in midfield, often supplementing the attack with his supporting runs, while Ben Cronk and Friday Jeremiah ? back in goal scoring form during the finals ? will be on the prowl for goals in this match.
Hills recovered from their loss to Fairfeld by snatching their spot in the Grand Final with a 4-1 triumph over Inter Lions in the Preliminary Final last weekend.
The Brumbies played an intelligent match, taking an early lead, soaking up what Inter had to throw at them, before running away with the match with several late goals.
Russell Farrell grabbed a brace in that match, and made a real nuisance of himself with his high work-rate in the attacking third.
But the match was won in the midfield, dominated by both, Paul Down, who took control by dissecting Inter?s defence with his accurate passes, and captain, Terry Pannowitz, who didn?t stop running for the entire ninety minutes.
The three matches between the clubs in 2010 have produced a win apiece and a draw, so who will break the deadlock and take home the silverware?
An appropriate setting of Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday will play host to what promises to be an enthralling season decider!
Reports on both matches will appear on the Football NSW website as well as the option to purchase the State League One First Grade Grand Final on DVD only with a story and form on this set to appear next week on the front page of Football NSW?s website.
STATE LEAGUE
Division One
Grand Final
Saturday, September 11 @ Sydney United Sports Centre
1st Grade @ 3-00pm
Fairfield City Lions ? Hills Brumbies
Under 20s Grand Final
Gladesville Ryde Magic ? Schofields Scorpions at 12-30pm @ Sydney United Sports Centre
-By Frank Speranza
