Connells Point Claim Under-12s Title in Dramatic Fashion
The Kent Football League’s U12 Boys final was a true showcase of local talent, as Connells Point and Balmain DFC battled it out for the coveted championship. In a match that had the Cook Park crowd on the edge of their seats, Connells Point emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, thanks to a superb brace from their star player, Luke Dimeo.
The early stages of the match saw both teams evenly matched, with opportunities at either end of the pitch. However, it was Connells Point’s Dimeo who broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, finding the ball just outside the Balmain box and unleashing a beautiful strike into the bottom left-hand corner.
The Balmain DFC players were left stunned, but they nearly responded immediately with a stunning free kick from Tim Ferguson that sailed just over the crossbar, much to the relief of the Connells Point goalkeeper, Carlos Barriga.
The second half proved to be a tight affair, with chances at a premium for both sides. But Dimeo was not done, and in the 46th minute, he curled the ball into the back of the net from a corner, sealing the victory for the Rovers and capping off a magnificent individual performance.
“Luke Dimeo was unstoppable today,” said Connells Point head coach, Michael Santos. “He really stepped up when it mattered most, and his two goals were of the highest quality. I’m so proud of the way the whole team performed and fought for the win.”
The Balmain DFC players and staff can be proud of their efforts, with goalkeeper Alex Campbell making several crucial saves to keep his side in the match. However, on the day, Connells Point’s dominance and Dimeo’s brilliance proved too much to overcome.
Northbridge FC Stage Dramatic Comeback in U12 Girls Final
In the U12 Girls final, Northbridge FC came from behind to defeat AC United 3-1 in an enthralling encounter at Cook Park.
AC United took the early initiative, with Adrijana Djuric opening the scoring in the 11th minute after the Northbridge defense coughed up the ball in their own half. Northbridge then enjoyed a sustained period of pressure, but Rebecca Terry’s effort from inside the box sailed over the crossbar.
Just before the break, however, Samantha Davis produced a moment of individual brilliance, striking a powerful shot with her right foot that found the back of the net, leveling the scores at 1-1 heading into the second half.
The match took a dramatic turn five minutes into the second half, as the referee awarded a penalty to Northbridge after a handball by an AC United player. Felicity Elias stepped up and slotted the ball past the keeper to give Northbridge the lead for the first time.
Northbridge then doubled their advantage just minutes later, as Davis once again found the back of the net, capitalizing on a cross that the AC United defense was unable to clear.
Despite a string of late chances for AC United, Northbridge held firm to secure a well-deserved 3-1 victory.
“We knew it was going to be a tough match, but the girls showed incredible resilience to come from behind and get the win,” said Northbridge FC head coach, Emma Gray. “Samantha Davis and Felicity Elias were outstanding today, and the whole team deserves immense credit for their performance.”
The result was a heartbreaking one for AC United, who had dominated the early stages of the match. However, Northbridge’s second-half comeback and clinical finishing proved to be the difference on the day.
Bankstown Sports Strikers Triumph in U13 Boys Final
The U13 Boys final was a tense and hard-fought affair, with Bankstown Sports Strikers emerging as the dominant victors in a 1-0 win over Auburn District.
The early stages of the match were controlled by Bankstown, with Alex Delinicolis and Larry Adeniran both going close to opening the scoring. Adeniran’s persistence finally paid off in the 27th minute, as he pounced on a loose ball in the Auburn box to fire home the only goal of the game.
Auburn goalkeeper, Bucker Eid, kept his side in the match with a series of crucial saves, denying Adeniran a second goal on a couple of occasions. However, Bankstown’s relentless pressure and solid defensive display eventually proved too much for the Auburn side to handle.
“I’m so proud of the way the boys fought for the win today,” said Bankstown Sports Strikers head coach, Sami Ramadan. “Larry Adeniran was a constant threat up front, and the entire team worked tirelessly to secure the victory. This is a huge moment for our club and the community.”
Despite the defeat, Auburn District can be pleased with their overall performance, as they battled hard against a strong Bankstown side. The match-winning moment from Adeniran, however, was the difference on the day.
Wollongong Olympic Prevail in Penalty Shootout Thriller
The U14 Boys final between Wollongong Olympic and North Epping was a nail-biter, with the match finishing 1-1 after extra time and being decided by a dramatic penalty shootout.
North Epping took the lead in the 5th minute, as Cameron Baikie slotted the ball home in a goalmouth scramble. Wollongong Olympic had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but the attempt was saved by the North Epping goalkeeper.
It wasn’t until the 46th minute that Wollongong Olympic found their equalizer, as Thomas Darjan rose unmarked in the box to head home from close range. The match then went to extra time, with both teams creating chances to win it, but the scores remained level.
In the penalty shootout, Wollongong Olympic goalkeeper Zac Bedelovski was the hero, scoring the first penalty for his side before making two crucial saves to seal a 4-1 victory for Wollongong Olympic.
“Zac was outstanding in the shootout,” said Wollongong Olympic head coach, Michael Darjan. “He showed incredible composure and skill to get us over the line. I’m so proud of the entire team for their resilience and determination to come back and win this final.”
North Epping can be commended for their spirited performance, but on the day, Wollongong Olympic’s penalty heroics proved to be the difference.
Brookvale Crowned U14 Girls Champions
In the U14 Girls final, Brookvale secured a 2-0 victory over South West Slopes in a tight affair at Cook Park.
Brookvale struck early, with Kristina Reisinger opening the scoring within the first two minutes of the match. Reisinger then had another chance to double the lead, forcing a save from South West Slopes goalkeeper, Emily Doohan.
South West Slopes had their first opportunity in the 41st minute, but Hannah Phillis’ shot sailed over the bar. Five minutes later, South West Slopes striker Brigette Holder was put through on goal, but the Brookvale keeper came out early to make the save.
The missed chance proved costly, as Sophia Cleary scored Brookvale’s second goal in the 47th minute, striking the ball into the bottom right-hand corner to seal the victory for the Manly Warringah Football Association side.
“I’m thrilled for the girls,” said Brookvale head coach, Emma Reisinger. “They worked incredibly hard and deserved this win. Kristina and Sophia were outstanding today, but the entire team played with real determination to bring the title back to Manly.”
South West Slopes will be disappointed to have fallen short, but they can be proud of their performance and the progress they have made throughout the season.
Plumpton Oakhurst Dominate in U15 Boys Final
The U15 Boys final was a one-sided affair, as Plumpton Oakhurst cruised to a 3-0 victory over St Marys in a Western Sydney derby.
Plumpton Oakhurst came close to opening the scoring in the 3rd minute, but St Marys goalkeeper, Deon Pereira, produced a stunning save to deny them. However, the Plumpton side were not to be denied, and Anthony Gale put them ahead in the 44th minute, chesting the ball into the net from close range.
Five minutes later, Jack Gerard doubled the lead for Plumpton Oakhurst, pouncing on a loose ball in the St Marys box to slam it home. Gerard then completed his brace in the 58th minute, converting a penalty to make it 3-0 and seal the win for his side.
“I’m delighted with the performance of the boys today,” said Plumpton Oakhurst head coach, Luke Gale. “They dominated possession and created numerous chances, and it was a well-deserved victory. The two goals from Jack were the icing on the cake.”
St Marys will be disappointed with the result, but they can take solace in the impressive display of their goalkeeper, Pereira, who kept the score respectable with his heroic saves.
WPH Cherrybrook Lions Grind Out U16 Boys Victory
The U16 Boys final between WPH Cherrybrook Lions and Pagewood Botany was a tightly contested affair, with the Lions securing a 1-0 victory in a hard-fought encounter.
The early stages of the match were dominated by WPH Cherrybrook, and in the 10th minute, Andrew Zalunardo delivered a beautiful corner that was headed home by Izaack Munoz to give the Lions the lead.
Pagewood Botany goalkeeper, Istvan Kovacs, was in inspired form, making a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the match. WPH Cherrybrook continued to create chances, but Kovacs and the Pagewood defense held firm, denying the Lions the opportunity to extend their lead.
The match took a dramatic turn in the closing stages, as Pagewood Botany’s Thomas Mantoufeh was shown a second yellow card for dissent, leaving his team with 10 men. From the resulting free kick, Munoz came close to doubling the lead, but Kovacs produced a stunning save to keep the score at 1-0.
“It was a hard-fought victory, but I’m so proud of the way the boys played today,” said WPH Cherrybrook Lions head coach, Michael Zalunardo. “Izaack Munoz was outstanding, and Istvan Kovacs in the Pagewood goal made some incredible saves to keep them in the match.”
Pagewood Botany can be commended for their resilience and determination, but the numerical disadvantage in the closing stages ultimately proved too much for them to overcome.
Avalon Triumph in Dramatic U16 Girls Final
The U16 Girls final between Avalon and Lindfield was a tense and evenly matched affair, with Avalon eventually emerging victorious after a golden goal in extra time.
Avalon started the match on the front foot, with Ella Smith forcing a fine save from Lindfield goalkeeper, Gabriele Craddock. However, it was Lindfield who took the lead in an unusual fashion, as Emma Dixon kicked the ball with the outside of her boot, causing it to float into the back of the net**.
Lindfield’s lead was short-lived, as Taylor Leighton equalized for Avalon just 10 minutes later, taking advantage of a goalkeeping mistake.
The match remained level through the second half and into extra time, with both sides creating chances to win it. However, it was Bonnie Frost who broke the deadlock in the first period of extra time, slotting the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper to secure the victory for Avalon.
“I’m so proud of the girls,” said Avalon head coach, Emma Frost. “They never gave up and kept fighting until the end. Bonnie’s winning goal was the perfect way to cap off a fantastic performance.”
Lindfield can feel hard done by, having taken the lead and looking organized throughout the match. However, Avalon’s resilience and Frost’s heroics ultimately proved to be the difference.
Connells Point Edge Normanhurst in Tense U17 Boys Final
The U17 Boys final between Connells Point and Normanhurst was a tense and defensive affair, with the match going to extra time before being decided by a penalty shootout.
The first half saw both teams create chances, with Matthew Donnelly of Connells Point and Adin Milligan of Normanhurst both going close. The second half was a cagey affair, with possession and chances at a premium for both sides.
As the match headed to extra time, Normanhurst had several opportunities from set pieces, but were unable to find the breakthrough. In the final minutes of extra time, Donnelly made a late burst into the box and was brought down, allowing him to step up and score the winning penalty to secure the title for Connells Point.
“It was a hard-fought battle, but the boys never gave up,” said Connells Point head coach, Daniel Macris. “Matthew Donnelly was outstanding throughout, and his composure from the penalty spot was crucial in getting us the win.”
Normanhurst can be proud of their determined performance, with goalkeeper Hamish Fullagar making a series of impressive saves to keep his side in the match.
Wakehurst Prevail in Dramatic U18 Women’s Final
The U18 Women’s final between Wakehurst and Miranda Magpies was a closely contested affair, with Wakehurst eventually triumphing after a long-range effort in extra time.
The match was evenly balanced throughout, with both teams creating chances but struggling to find the breakthrough. Carla Rothwell finally gave Wakehurst the lead in the 51st minute, smashing the ball home with determination.
However, the Magpies equalized in the 59th minute, as Chelsea Sharp slotted the ball into the back of the net after Wakehurst failed to clear a corner.
The match remained level after 90 minutes, forcing extra time. It was then that Renee Cosh produced a moment of magic, lobbing the ball over the keeper from long range to seal the victory for Wakehurst.
“I’m so proud of the girls,” said Wakehurst head coach, Emma Barnard. “They fought until the end and Renee’s stunning strike in extra time was the perfect way to win the final. It was a truly outstanding performance from the entire team.”
The Miranda Magpies can be commended for their resilience and determination, but on the day, Wakehurst’s quality and Cosh’s heroics proved to be the difference.
Glenhaven Edge West Griffith SC in Tight U18 Boys Final
The U18 Boys final between Glenhaven and West Griffith SC was a closely contested affair, with Glenhaven securing a 1-0 victory in a hard-fought encounter.
The early stages of the match saw both teams struggle to create clear-cut chances, with the keepers having little to do. However, as the half progressed, Glenhaven began to assert their dominance, with Kaan Kilinc and Samuel Genovese both going close for the victors.
The second half was a cagey affair, with West Griffith SC working hard to keep the Glenhaven attack at bay. The decisive moment came in the 70th
