Match Details
Sandringham SC vs South Melbourne WFC
2:00pm, Sunday June 9
David Barro Stadium, Veneto Club
The Big Picture
Both these sides are appearing in their first ever State Knockout Cup final. Neither side had a good run in last year’s edition as South Melbourne lost to Altona in Round 4 while Sandringham lost to runners-up Bundoora United in the quarter finals. The two sides have prior playoff final history in the Women’s Premier League, with South Melbourne prevailing 2-1 in the 2011 Grand Final held at AAMI Park.
South Melbourne have beaten Bundoora United, Cairnlea FC, Boroondara Eagles, Heidelberg United (walkover), and Box Hill, with Bundoora providing the only real problem as South came through with a 2-1 victory at Hillsview.
Meanwhile Sandringham have faced Mill Park SC, Croydon City Arrows SC, Monbulk Rangers SC, and Casey Comets FC to reach the showpiece event. Their quarter final against Monbulk was a close encounter, with Sandringham surviving a scare as they managed to prevail 2-1.
Form Guide (Last 6 games)
Sandringham – WDWWWW
South Melbourne – WWWWWW
Sandringham
The nominated home side comes into the final brimming with confidence following a great run of form that sees them unbeaten in the league so far. Their strong and hardworking midfield will be important if they are to get control in the match, while they also have an impressive attacking armoury.
Their only concern will be player availability, which means that some squad players will be given a chance to shine on the big stage. Keeper Peta Horman is ineligible meaning Lucy Kapusta will probably don the gloves for the final.
History also is not on their side when it comes to WPL playoff matches, with only the 3-1 win over Ashburton in 2010 providing any sort of joy since 2009.
South Melbourne
South Melbourne are a totally different side to that of 2012, and look a much more cohesive unit. Having won every competitive fixture of 2013, they look the favourites to keep up their perfect record so far. They have only conceded two goals all year, against Bundoora in Round 1 and Box Hill in the semi-final, while scoring a combined 63 goals in league and cup.
International players Morany Chek and Natalie Martineau are the vital cogs in the South Melbourne structure, while the presence of top scorer Laura Spiranovic upfront provides an ever present danger to any opponent. At the back Alex Cheal leads the line well and is backed up by Cassie Dimovski, who appears in her second State Knockout Cup final on Sunday, having won it with Box Hill United last season.
Their ability to compete with Sandringham’s hard working midfield unit will be important if they are to keep up their impressive form.
Key Players
Sandringham
As the attacking midfielder is the lynchpin in the Sandringham attack, they will look to Stephanie Tanti to keep providing the service for the front two. Her stunning left footed volley against the EAP underlined the quality she possesses and together with Sienna Forgarty ran the show against the developmental side. Her potential contest with Natalie Martineau will be a good one to watch, and also key to Sandringham’s fortunes in this final.
South Melbourne
Having limped off the field during last week’s 2-0 win over Bulleen with a hamstring injury, French midfielder Morany Chek looks to have recovered well and should take part in Sunday’s final. Technically sound and creatively aware, her presence is vital for South Melbourne, as she creates most of the play for her side. Top scorer and co-captain Laura Spiranovic will also look to add more to her impressive season tally.
Top Scorers
Sandringham
- Tanti 6
- Prins, Runnalls, Fogarty 5
South Melbourne
- Spiranovic 12
- Eliadis 11