The 2018 winter season officially concluded on Saturday with the annual NSFA Cup and Shield Day at North Turramurra Recreation Area (NTRA).
Spectators were treated to six thrilling finals across the day, with extra time being required in three fixtures and all but one match being decided by a one-goal margin.
The Treasurer’s Shield kicked off proceedings at NTRA, and saw Hornsby RSL lift the trophy with a 1-0 win over West Pymble after taking the lead in the first half. The result saw Hornsby RSL secure a treble this season following their U14 Super League title and a subsequent victory in the grand final over North Sydney United.
It did not take long for the goals to begin flowing in the GWFC Shield final between Lindfield and Northbridge. Lindfield got their noses in front with a strike from distance, with the two sides then trading goals to enter half-time with Northbridge trailing 2-1. Shortly after the restart Lindfield doubled their advantage, but Northbridge produced a stunning comeback in the final ten minutes to force extra time. With time almost up and penalties beckoning, it was Northbridge who found the winner to decide an incredible match.
In contrast to the preceding match, the President’s Shield final was short on goals but high on action, as both the Lindfield and Berowra goalkeepers produced several incredible saves to keep the scores level. For the second time on the day extra time was required, but this time Lindfield took just minutes to find the winning golden goal to secure their own 2018 season treble.
The Vice-President’s Shield final saw North Sydney United start the brighter, taking the game to their opponents West Pymble. However the team in yellow showed their class, scoring twice in the first half to enter the break with a comfortable lead. Despite the efforts of their opposition, Pymble were able to see out the match without conceding and became the third team to win a 2018 treble on the day.
With the junior finals completed, focus turned to the Rick Close Cup as North Sydney United took on Northbridge. An early penalty saw United take the lead, but Northbridge responded well to take a 2-1 lead heading into the closing stages of the match. However, North Sydney produced an incredible turnaround, scoring twice in the final ten minutes to lift their third straight Rick Close Cup.
The day culminated in the NSFA Cup final between Northbridge and Lindfield, second and third in the 2018 Premier League season. Northbridge started the match with intent, pushing forward heavily as they attempted to secure their first-ever NSFA Cup title. However Lindfield shook off their early nerves and began to ask questions of the opposition defence thanks to their speed up front. For the third and final time of the day we went to extra time and it was Lindfield who found the winning goal, completing a swift counter-attack down the left flank to secure their fifth NSFA Cup title.
Special thanks to our match officials from the Ku-ring-gai & District Football Referees Association, who conducted all matches at a high standard.
View the full photo album of the day on the NSFA Facebook page.
Match Results
Treasurer’s Shield (Under 14’s)
Hornsby RSL 1 def. West Pymble 0
GWFC Shield (Girls Under 18’s)
Northbridge 4 def. Lindfield 3
President’s Shield (Under 18’s)
Lindfield 1 def. Berowra 0
Vice-President’s Shield (Under 16’s)
West Pymble 2 def. North Sydney United 0
Rick Close Cup (Over 35’s)
North Sydney United 3 def. Northbridge 2
NSFA Cup
Lindfield 1 def. Northbridge 0