After a long season full of goals, comebacks, upsets, hat-tricks, heroes, villains, Instagram posts, heartbreak, and passion, the Grand Final had arrived. Northbridge entered the game having finished first in the league by some distance, adding the division championship title on the final day of the regular season and looking to complete it with further success. Up against them were Hornsby Heights, who were not afraid of anyone. They made it to the Grand Final in dramatic fashion, getting past a strong Lindfield side in one of the games of the season. The stage was set for a classic at Northbridge Oval.
The excitement began long before the first whistle, with both clubs ready to match the occasion with the support it deserves. Hornsby Heights locals packed into a supporter bus, bringing banners, noise, and passion with them as they travelled down the Pacific Highway.
Northbridge were determined to make the home ground advantage count, setting up Northbridge Oval for a massive clash with their team colours.
Here’s how the two teams lined up for the clash.
Northbridge FC
Starting XI
1 Alex Hirunsook
3 Michael Portale
5 Maximilian Olesen (C)
6 Dylan Mills
9 Nathan Baxter
11 Sonny Matchett
13 Joel Guy
27 Benjamin Snaidero
28 Benjamin Dreger
35 Joshua Avanus
38 Derek Karapetian
Bench
7 Branden Waeger
18 Matthew Chung
25 Jesse Dorizac
41 Joel Ono
44 Ryusei Masuda
Hornsby Heights FC
Starting XI
1 Mitchell brooks
2 Edward Lee
8 Ryan Brooks (C)
9 Lawrence Frederick
10 Tino Knight
14 Liam Oliver
16 Benito Albace
19 Ben O’Connor
24 Oliver Hing
26 Cameron Hay
30 Julian Cotterell
Bench
4 Aizen Takahira
11 Ben Fisher
29 Julien Vitale
52 Daniel Cronin
78 Shakoor Abdullah
After the anticipation had been building all day, a packed crowd at Northbridge Oval was ready for the action. The stage was set, and it was time for kick-off.
The game started at a frantic pace, with end-to-end action from the opening whistle. Both sides created chances and looked dangerous going forward, with the feeling that the opening goal could come at any moment. It would come down to which side could produce when it mattered most.
That side was Northbridge. As he has done so often this season, Derek Karapetian stepped up to break the deadlock, finding the back of the net to give Northbridge a crucial 1-0 lead.
Hornsby Heights remained firmly in the contest, heading into the halftime break knowing they were only one goal away from drawing level. They came out with renewed intent after the restart, piling pressure on the Northbridge defence and searching for a way back into the game.
But Northbridge stood firm. Their defence, a key part of their run to the top of the league throughout the season, absorbed wave after wave of Heights pressure. Hirunsook in goal remained strong for his side, making a number of key saves to maintain the advantage. As the second half progressed, Northbridge began to create opportunities of their own, looking to put the game beyond doubt.
With the clock ticking into the final stages and the score still 1-0, Nathan Baxter stepped up for Northbridge, finding the crucial second goal and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Heights knew they had to respond quickly. They pushed numbers forward in search of a way back into the contest, but in doing so left spaces for Northbridge to exploit.
Northbridge took full advantage. With just 10 minutes remaining, Sonny Matchett found the back of the net to seal the result and put the home side 3-0 ahead.
From there, Northbridge showed the composure, professionalism and experience that has helped them win so many games throughout the season. They managed the final stages expertly to secure a convincing 3-0 victory to end the season in fitting style.
Congratulations to Alex Hirunsook for being named the Player of the Match after a number of fantastic saves secured the clean sheet for Northbridge.
Commiserations to Hornsby Heights, who have risen to the occasion week after week throughout the season, not only picking up strong results but also playing entertaining and enjoyable football throughout. There is a great football community in Hornsby Heights, as shown by the scenes throughout the day, and they will be back.
Congratulations to Northbridge, who completed a remarkable season with a Grand Final win. It has been an incredible turnaround from last season, and every game they have earned their success.
Thank you to all who made the event so memorable at Northbridge Oval, and to everyone who got behind the Men’s Premier League this season. Seeing the energy, passion, banter, and football on display week by week has been amazing.
Until next season!