In a thrilling turn of events, the Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA) clinched victory in this year’s Men’s Select with a thrilling come-from-behind win at Charles Bean Oval on Wednesday 14th February 2024, winning on penalties after normal time 1-1 (4-2). NSFA’s triumph in the 10th edition of the Men’s fixture is NSFA’s first and puts an end to MWFA’s 9-year stranglehold of the Cup. The first edition was back in 2015, with NSFA having come close on numerous occasions, including a defeat in a penalty shootout in 2023.
NSFA started the match at a breath-taking pace and should have had an early lead with guilt edge chances falling to Willoughby Dalleys FC attacker Fergus Worrall & Lindfield FC’s Daniel Rigby. Mid-way through the first half, NSFA were awarded a penalty when Daniel Rigby was collected late in the box. Luke Klusman (Lindfield FC) stepped up to take the penalty. However, his effort was saved by MWFA’s goalkeeper who had a stellar performance in goals. NSFA were punished for their poor finishing in front of goals when MWFA capitalised on a defensive mix-up at the back to go 1-0 up at half-time against the run of play.
The second half continued to be a physical affair, with NSFRA referee Rory McFarlane controlling the match very well. MWFA were inches from going 2-0 up when Joshua Ciabatti struck the post from long-range. In the 85th minute, the cup looked like it would remain in MWFA’s hands when Luke Klusman was given his marching orders for a second yellow card offence. This, however, didn’t deter the NSFA team who continued to press for the equaliser with 10 men. In the 94th minute, Fergus Worrall (Willoughby Dalleys FC) stepped up to score the equaliser for NSFA with an excellent finish, sending the keeper the wrong way and the ball nestling into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal. The equaliser meant that the game went into a penalty shootout for the second consecutive year. NSFA were clinical in the shootout, dispatching all four penalty kicks, with MWFA converting two.
The team’s determination and eventual success wouldn’t have been possible without the stellar performances of all players. The team roster featured standout players from various clubs, including Hornsby Heights FC, Berowra FC, Willoughby Dalleys FC, Knox United, Lindfield FC, Northbridge FC, West Pymble FC and Kissing Point FC. These players from different clubs seamlessly united under the NSFA banner to secure a memorable victory.
NSFA would like to recognise the efforts of Head Coach Greg Fuchs (Willoughby Dalleys FC), who had the team well prepared for the fixture and demonstrated excellent tactical acumen to get the better over MWFA.
NSFA extends its congratulations to all players and coaches from the Men’s Select team. With this win, the NSFA community eagerly anticipates a thrilling Men’s Premier League season in 2024, ready to build on the momentum gained from this remarkable achievement.
Photo Credit Jeremy Denham from Facet Photography.
