Extra-time a possibility in Division One Knock-out Cup Final
Division One Knock-out Cup Preview
By Walter Pless
The stage is set for an exciting Division One Knock-out Cup final at Wellesley Park at 12.30pm on Saturday when Beachside take on Christian United on neutral territory.
Beachside finished third in the league and Christian United second-last, but the form displayed by both sides in reaching the final has been impressive.
“We may be coming into the final slightly underdone as last week’s match against Nelson did not provide the level of competition we expected,” said Beachside’s stand-in coach, Andrew Reason.
“However, we have had a big week at training, concentrating on physically imposing ourselves and playing fast-paced football.
“We have made a couple of squad changes, bringing in Daniel Gardner to help deal with Christian’s speedy attack.
“Gardner, together with Daniel McCarthy and Dave Ikin in defence, should give us sufficient cover at the back to enable us to push six or seven players forward, allowing us to go for an all-out attack on Christian’s goal.”
Christian are worthy finalists.
They go into this game with a strong self-belief, having downed league champions Hobart United 2-0 two weeks ago and runners-up New Town Eagles 6-1 last weekend.
“Having not only defeated the top two teams in the league, but scoring eight goals and only conceding one in the process, one would be foolish to write this team off,” said Christian’s Jesse Arnold.
“The last two weeks have seen them produce some exciting passages of play, particularly in the areas of midfield and attack.
“Brodie Whayman and Oliver Walters have shown nothing but class and genuine ability in their recent games.
“An unchanged team will take the field, but classy mid-fielder Angus Livingston will be added to the bench, giving Christian even more depth in what is an already strong squad.
“David Nettlefold will again be missing from the line-up as he is on holiday in Melbourne.
“Brodie Kirkpatrick will also be expected to return to his left-wing position after suffering an ankle injury during last weekend’s fixture and having to leave the field and be replaced.”
Extra-time and a penalty shoot-out may well be required to decide the destination of this trophy.