Gosford v East Gosford
The local derby between Gosford and East Gosford will decide the 2021 Women’s Mate Association Cup Grand Final this Sunday. Both sides will enter the match unbeaten in not only the cup but also the first 2 rounds of the 2021 Central Coast Unity Bank Women’s League.
Gosford finished their pool with 4 wins from 4, having beat Umina (3-1), Killarney (6-1), Terrigal via forfeit, and Kariong (6-1) to finish Pool-A with 18 goals for, and only 3 goals against.
Gosford Coach Pete Edwards is looking forward to the matchup and test that is East Gosford. “We are looking forward to a really competitive game, with both teams coming into the weekend on the back of very strong and consistent performances.”
Pete knows how dangerous the Rams are but is very confident in his side. “East Gosford has recruited a great squad of players who are really playing great football and combined with a top coach in Jorge, they’re going to be a real tough opposition”.
“In saying that, we have been training hard, working on our game plan and the girls are fired up and ready for the challenge. It’s going to be an exciting game, showcasing top-level women’s football on the coast. Can’t wait for Sunday!”
East Gosford is in great form heading into Sunday as they have not conceded a single goal in all competitions so far this year, a truly remarkable statistic. The Rams progressed through Pool-B having finished on equal points with Kanwal, but the Rams had a significantly better goal difference. East Gosford picked up wins over Woongarrah (8-0) and Southern (8-0) and drew with Kanwal (0-0) in the group stage.
East Gosford coach Jorge Chavez is ecstatic with how his squad has performed thus far this year. “After a great start to the season, the girls are full of confidence and cannot wait to test themselves against the WPL heavyweights, and Cup favourites Gosford City.”
Jorge is fully cognisant of the dangers of his opposition and the artillery their squad possess. “After some great additions in the off-season with Southern & Ettalong captain Taylor Thackray joining the Dragons, they have strengthened their squad and are once again favourites to go undefeated or thereabouts this year.”
“So come the Grand Final on Sunday we know what Gosford are capable of and look forward to the challenge in front of us, and as we all know come grand final day anything can happen.”
The Women’s Mate Association Cup Grand Final is scheduled to kick-off at 1:00.
Terrigal v Killarney
Terrigal and Killarney’s Men’s First Grade squads will meet again in a Grand Final come this Sunday. Whenever these two sides do battle it is always a great showcase of the quality of men’s football on the Central Coast. Terrigal got the best of Killarney when they faced in the 2020 BPL Grand Final edging the Terriers out with a 1-0 victory.
Terrigal remained unbeaten throughout the pool stage, with their pool being the only 1 to contain 3 BPL teams but that seemed to be no problem for the O’lads who claimed wins over Berkeley Vale (4-0), Kariong (7-0) and Umina (9-0) as they finished top of their group with a perfect 3 wins from 3 while also scoring 20 goals for, and 0 goals against. Terrigal faced Southern & Ettalong in their Semi-Final clash and after conceding an early goal to Southern, the O’lads went on to win 3-1 and book their Grand Final spot.
Terrigal coach Martyn Griffiths is anticipating facing a very resilient Killarney side like always this weekend. “Looking forward to playing against our close rivals Killarney FC in this season’s Mate Association Cup Final. No doubt it will be another tough competitive game against Ackers well-organised side.”
“Both teams have started the season with 2 wins so I’m looking forward to this test this Sunday. As I said pre-season, Killarney as always is the team to beat and will be favourites but if we can play like I know we can and compete for the 90 minutes we won’t be far away.”
Martyn knows how much this game means not only for the club but his squad and for the season ahead. “Winning a trophy at this stage of the season and beating Killarney will be a massive confidence boost for us moving forward this season, and likewise for them, so it is a massive game for both teams and we’re looking forward to the occasion. “
As for Killarney, the 5-time League Champions and 4-time Premiers will look to add another trophy to their collection come Sunday. Killarney edged out Woy Woy by 1 point in their group stage having picked up 2 wins over Wyong (5-1) and Woy Woy (4-0) and a draw over Avoca (1-1). Killarney then went on to battle Gosford in the Semi-Final where they came out 3-0 victors in a very one-sided match.
Killarney coach Chris Ackerley is anticipating a very thrilling and exciting game. “I’m expecting a very fast and open game as always against Terrigal.”
Chris understands how strong and dangerous the Terrigal attack is and needs his team to be a lot better defensively come Sunday. “We have to improve defensively from our opening 2 games against Kanwal and Kariong, conceding 5 goals from those 2 matches”.
“It should be a very exciting game played by two sides that have a lot of respect for one another”.
The Men’s Mate Association Cup Grand Final is scheduled to kick-off at 3:15 pm.