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McDonald's Cup Grand Final Preview + NSW Premier League Preview[/size]
All attentions turn to the McDonald’s Cup this weekend as NSW Super League outfit Spirit FC take on the NSW Premier League side Marconi Stallions in the Grand-Final at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday.
Faced with a mammoth task to cap off what has been a fairytale ride thus far, Spirit FC will have nothing to lose as they look to add the Stallions to their list of Premier League scalps following the defeats of South Coast Wolves and Blacktown City FC in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively.
New boss Tony Walmsley will not need to work too much on motivation for his players in anticipation of the final, as the side’s intentions have been very clear throughout their Cup run. Spirit FC holds an impressive record en-route to the final, scoring seventeen goals and conceding only two – both goals arriving in the 3-2 semi-final win.
Much of the side’s success can be attributed to the side’s more experienced players with the likes of Leo Papanicolaou and captain Paul Nicolaou leading the way with some very solid displays.
Spirit FC enters the final coming off a 1-0 defeat of Parramatta Eagles in their domestic league, the winner arriving midway through the second-half courtesy of left-sided midfielder Joshua De Kelly. The side’s run in the league has been less inspiring than their Cup run – Spirit FC currently sits in fifth-spot on the ladder – though certainly in a strong position to make a final charge for the title.
Marconi Stallions start the Cup final as overwhelming favourites with a well-balanced line-up featuring a good mix of youth and experience. Coach Lee Sterrey has assembled a fine group of players in 2010, opening the door to many young guns who have all impressed, taking their chance in first grade with both arms.
The likes of Giorgio Speranza, Mitchell Mallia and Sean O’Connell have all been impressive, alongside the more experienced campaigners Aleksander Canak, Erick Anabalon, Nahuel Arrarte and club captain Matthew Gordon.
The Stallions 2010 campaign has been highly successful, with the side challenging on both the League and Cup fronts. Some concern though does surround the recent form in the League as the side has only managed one win since the Round 15 thumping dished out to A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers. Soft goals conceded have proven to be the side’s undoing, which comes as somewhat of a surprise following the solid defensive unit the side has displayed in 2010.
Two Premier League matches will be played this weekend, as the competition takes a one-week break for the Cup final. On Friday evening, the Round 20 fixture between Sydney United and Bankstown City takes place at Sydney United Sports Centre with kick-off set for 8:00 PM. The Reds sit in third-spot heading into the match, with a win needed to re-kindle that winning feeling after an inconsistent run of results in recent weeks. Bankstown City’s hopes of reaching the finals-series were dealt a huge blow last weekend following their home draw against Sutherland Sharks. With the club’s finals future out of their own hands, the Lions require a miracle to reach the playoffs in 2010.
On Saturday evening at Cromer Park, Manly United FC and West Sydney Berries go into battle in the re-scheduled Round 17 match. Both sides have struggled in 2010, illustrated by their low placing on the League ladder. With pride on the line for both sides, both teams will be playing for the win on Saturday.
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