ROCKDALE City Suns have won the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader Cup after defeating neighbouring Sutherland Sharks 2-0 at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive David Gallop and federal Sports Minister Don Farrell were VIPs at the game.
The Leader sponsors the clashes between the two clubs played twice a year in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 Football NSW competition.
Rockdale’s victory also denied Sutherland’s bid to win the premiership trophy.
The Sharks led the competition before the match and a victory would have ensured the premiership title.
Richard Cardozo bagged a double for the Suns, ensuring his team would play finals football for the first time since its promotion to Football NSW’s elite competition.
Cardozo scored the opening goal in the 78th minute from a free kick which got past the Sutherland Sharks defensive wall.
He then sealed the match during injury time with a 92nd-minute goal making the score 2-0.
Suns captain Askin Oygur was presented with the Leader Cup trophy after the match.
“We are very happy with the result today, that is for sure,’’ Oygur said.
‘‘We knew the job at hand was going to be a difficult one although we also knew that we had the potential to get a win today and secure our spot in the finals.”
Oygur said the team could do well in the finals starting this weekend.
“We are in the finals and we can beat any team in this competition. When we have our shape and we play our football, we can beat anyone,’’ he said.
“It is true that we have had some up-and-down moments this season with some inconsistent results, although in saying this we have remained united and we all share the belief of giving this finals campaign a big crack.’’
Sutherland Sharks coach Robbie Stanton had taken his team almost to their ‘‘Mount Everest’’ and they have finished second on 44 points, one point behind Sydney United 58 FC, which have won the premiership with 45.
Rockdale City Suns play Marconi Stallions in their semi-final on Saturday and Sutherland meet Bonnyrigg White Eagles on Sunday.
FUNDS PROMISE
Rockdale City Suns Football Club will receive $35,000 funding towards new barbecue facilities under a re-elected Rudd Labor Government.
Federal Minister for Sport, Don Farrell, and Labor candidate for Barton, Steve McMahon, announced the commitment at the game.
“I’ve been working closely with the club to expand the availability of amenities at the stadium and this outcome is a great result for everyone,” Mr McMahon said.
Rockdale City Suns president Paul Goreski said he was pleased to have the opportunity to show Senator Farrell what the club had achieved so far.
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