Lions scent cup final upset
Stirling Lions defender Andy Brown is motivated by the thought of becoming the latest captain to raise WA soccer’s coveted knockout trophy.
Brown will lead the underdogs against Bayswater City in tomorrow’s Cool Ridge Cup final knowing the home comfort of Macedonia Park will count for little against the National Premier Leagues WA leaders.
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“The cup final is as big a game as there is on the WA football calendar,” Brown said.
“I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to play in this game and to try and emulate the glory of past captains of Stirling and lift the trophy for a seventh time.”
The Lions were beaten 1-0 by Bayswater last week in the NPLWA but Brown believes they can upset the odds tomorrow.
“Our performances against Bayswater this season in the league have been positive although the score line hasn’t shown this,” he said.
Stirling’s Aleks Vrteski and Bayswater’s Trent Kay with Cool Ridge Cup representatives. Pic supplied
“On the weekend gone, we had them beat in every department - we just couldn't find the net. Our outlook on the cup final is positive and we will be looking to put away our chances this time and avenge our defeats in the league.”
Bayswater striker Steve Burton, whose goal sunk Stirling last week, revealed the extent of his side’s ambitions.
“We set a target of four trophies this year - the Night Series, the (Cool Ridge) Cup, the league and the finals,” he said. “We have one of those and hope to make it two on Saturday. We’re all focussed on achieving the goals set at the start of the year.”
But the former Doncaster Rovers, Scarborough and Crawley Town striker knows success is far from guaranteed.
“We have beaten them twice in the NPL, but that counts for nothing, it’s a cup final anything could happen,” he said.
“The players and everyone at the club are looking forward to the occasion and as long as we show the same desire as we have in the last few games we should stand a good chance.”
Cool Ridge Cup finals, Macedonia Park
First team: Stirling Lions v Bayswater City, 3pm. Reserves: Balcatta v Ashfield, 12.30pm. U18: Sorrento v Perth SC, 10.15am.
