A relentless Canberra Croatia FC outfit has taken out the men’s 2021 Charity Shield, while an inform Belconnen United FC has claimed the inaugural women’s Charity Shield.
The men’s match was the first to kick off at Deakin Stadium and it didn’t take long for Canberra Croatia FC to make their mark against Wagga City Wanderers FC.
Within four minutes, Aimilio Kista got his side on the scoreboard and would manage a hat trick for Croatia.
Nikos Kalfas, Daniel Barac, Daniel Subasic and Jason Ugrinic were clinical in their performance, easily getting past Wagga’s defensive line to help the side claim a massive 10-0 win.
The Wagga City Wanderers never backed down with plenty of chances coming their way, particularly in the 72nd minute from Kyle Yeates. Their goal keeper Liam Dedini made several impressive saves but they finished the afternoon scoreless against the 2020 NPL1 Premiers.
The women’s match was a far more even contest with the night ending 1-3 to Belconnen United FC.
The first goal didn’t come until the 30th minute when Belconnen United FC’s Reilly Yuen found the back of the net.
In the second half Canberra Croatia FC looked to hit back, but Belconnen’s goal keeper Cristina Esposito headed the ball out of harm’s way.
A solo effort from Belconnen United’s Keira Bobbin saw the side get up by 2, before Yuen smashed the ball past Croatia’s goal keeper to get her second goal for the evening.
Canberra Croatia FC then brought in the big guns, subbing in Grace Gill who made an immediate impact, making an assist to Oliva Fogarty who scored their first and only goal for the evening.
From there, there were signs of hope from the Croatian side but Belconnen managed to keep them at bay, their names the first to be etched on the women’s Charity Shield.