Sky Blues v Reds Review
Pre Match Analysis– The FFA Cup was a tantalising affair. It was a battle between potentially the next Socceroos coach in Arnold and the German Maestro in Kurz. Unfortunately for the Reds they were missing a few players through injury. Despite that it promised to be a close contest; It was no coincidence that two of the better teams in the A-League were participating in the prestigious final.
First Half Analysis– Kitto had an opportunity to score early on, but his shot at goal was well saved by Redmayne. The Reds were scrabbling in defence with Elsey making a key intervention. Despite the Reds showing good endeavour in their defensive half Ninkovic opened the scoring with a sublime finish in the nineteenth minute. Mileusnic tracked back a couple of times to thwart the Sky Blues attack. Kito had an opportunity to score, but his shot was again saved by Redmayne. While, Elsey was inspirational as he prevented many of the Sky Blues incursions forward.
Half Time Analysis– Possession was just about even at half time. Both goal keepers made some pivotal saves for their respective sides. The game was in the balance with the Reds capable of scoring late in matches due to their intense preseason.
Second Half Analysis– Garuccio took an exquisite free kick early in the half, but his shot hit the bar! Bad luck for the Reds! It appeared only a matter of time for the Reds to get the elusive equalizing goal. It took a moment of magic from Mileusnic in the sixty ninth minute to put the Reds on level terms with the Sky Blues. Izzo pulled off another great save, with Bobo having a shot on goal.
Full Time Analysis– Both teams had weapons on their respective benches; The Sky Blues had Carney and Simon, while, the Reds had Blackwood and Ochieng. Would the deadlock be broken or would the game go to penalties, time would tell?
Extra Time– The Sky Blues were controlling the game early on. Ochieng was instrumental in the Reds creating chances looking lively and dangerous when on the ball. Mierzejewski had an opportunity, but his shot was directed straight at Izzo.
In the Second Half of extra time Mierzejewski worked his magic with an exquisite cross that was put into the back of the net by Bobo in the hundred and eleventh minute. Then there was a moment of madness when Marrone attempted to grab a ball from the ball boy to save time, what resulted was mayhem. Simon endeavoured to remonstrate and most of the players from both teams came together. It was out of character for Marrone, but he deservedly received a red card. The Sky Blues held on! The game finished two goals to one!