Belconnen United will meet Canberra FC in the 2014 Capital Football Federation Cup Final on Thursday night, 3 July.
It’s always one of the biggest matches of the season in Canberra – two heavyweight titans locking horns in a battle for supremacy that has waged for almost twenty years in the national capital.
Belconnen United versus Canberra FC is one of the must-see games of the season and when you throw in piece of silverware into the mix there are usually fireworks. This will be the second time the pair will meet in a Cup Final this year but expect a vastly different game to the one that took place as part of the NPL Pre-Season Cup Final.
On that occasion a weakened Blue devils outfit was crushed by a full-strength FC smarting at their opponent’s decision to rest the majority of their key players for the opening round of the National Premier Leagues: Capital Football competition. FC utilised all of their pace, power and know-how to win 8-0 and take home the season’s first trophy. However, it's likely to be very different this time around.
The top-of-the-table showdown between the NPL giants in Round 6 was a real humdinger of a match with honours even at the end of a pulsating ninety minutes. For all money it appeared that Belconnen would go home with the three points having overturned Philippe Bernabo-Madrid’s 58th minute opener for the visitors with goals from Jason Ugrinic and Michael Taurasi putting them ahead with time running out.
However, substitute Josip Jadric clinched a point, sparking wild scenes of celebrations with a stoppage time equaliser, the ecstatic response to the goal from the FC faithful clearly demonstrating the feeling in this rivalry.
Ahead of Thursday night’s kick-off, it’s the midfield duel between the sides that draws the attention. And how can it not? With Blue Devils Head Coach Dean Ugrinic able to field Taylor Beaton, David Arranz and Tom McLachlan in a top notch combination, countered by Ray Junna sending out the likes of Ian Graham, James Field and Adam Spaleta in response, this part of the field will be a key to the outcome. Both teams have a group of attacking players that can cause untold damage in front of goal, so expect plenty of fireworks and goalmouth action.
There is a feeling there is more at stake here than just the Federation Cup. For the winner it will arguably mean more than just the spoils.
Federation Cup Final
Belconnen United v Canberra FC
Thursday 3rd July 2014
(Hawker Football Centre, Kick-Off 7pm)