For the second time in its history the Women’s Federation Cup Final will be played out between the two pre-eminent Northern powerhouses as Belconnen United, aiming to return to the winner’s circle for the first time since 2019 in this competition, go head-to-head with Gungahlin United.
It’s the second time this duo has met at the denouement of the Cup competition, the 2015 showdown locked away by the Blue Devils who swept aside a gallant Gunners challenge on the back of a brace of goals from Matildas and Canberra United legend Caitlin Munoz, and young gun Talia Backhouse.
Fast-forward eight years and Backhouse is at the hub of the Blue Devils renaissance, the captain leading by example and one of only two survivors from that Final showdown, the evergreen Katie Woodman, the most-decorated player in the current Women’s National Premier League the other.
These two also met in the Federation Cup Semi-Final in 2017 when Belconnen United emerged as the victors, winning by five goals to two, but the Gunners 2023 vintage are certainly made of sterner stuff and are looking to re-write the record books as they prepare form the big day.
History is on Belconnen’s side, Gungahlin United has only ever beaten Belconnen United once in the NPL era, managing just three draws from nineteen attempts in all competitions to go with that 2-0 success last weekend, but despite their dominance, Belconnen has only managed to keep seven clean sheets in that swathe of success.
As we all know though, previous counts for little on Cup Final day. Belconnen made two Finals last year, their new-look outfit losing both this Final, and the Grand Final, to a Canberra Olympic side who were heavy favourites.
Twelve-months on and it’s the Blue Devils, a year older and surely a year wiser, who will be backed-in by those who closely follow the local game. And yet, Gungahlin appears to be on the verge of something rather special themselves.
A narrow win over Canberra Olympic in the Semi-Final has spearheaded a series of results that has made the rest of the competition sit up and take close attention to the goings on at Gungahlin Enclosed. A draw from 0-2 down away to Canberra Croatia and another creditable stalemate at home to Olympic emphasising the point
Psychologically, the win at McKellar Park seven days ago secured via set-piece goals from Ella Brown and Rachael Corbett, might give Gunners the edge, if nothing else it will fuel belief that they can achieve the victory.
There’s talent aplenty in both teams, so much so that pinpointing who might be the difference is nigh on impossible. What is for certain is that this will be a titanic battle. The beginning of a legacy maybe? Only time will tell.
MATCH DETAILS
Saturday 3 June
Belconnen United v Gungahlin United
(Deakin Stadium, 14:00)
Adults: $5
Students / Pensioners / Concession Holders: Gold Coin
Children Under-12: Free of Charge
Program: $2
