The Capital Football Women’s Federation Cup Final will take place at McKellar Park on Wednesday the 9th August, kicking off at 7pm.
The final will be contested by the Canberra United Academy and Belconnen United after their respective semi-final wins. The Canberra United Academy scored three times in the final 10 minutes against Woden-Weston FC to secure their place in the decider 6-3, while the Blue Devils advanced courtesy of an extra-time brace from Jessie Williams in their 4-2 victory.
The Grand Final is a rematch of last year’s event and is sure to be a fantastic clash between the experienced Belconnen United side and the youthful but promising Academy.
The two sides have had strong performances in the PS4 NPL Women’s Competition this year, with Belconnen United claiming their seventh straight Premiership on Sunday afternoon, while the Academy sit in fourth spot but with two games in hand on the sides around them.
The Academy have blazed a trail to the final this year, following up a dominant 6-0 quarter-final win over Canberra Olympic with the afore-mentioned 6-3 win over Woden-Weston in the final four. Isabella Mulhall has lead the way for the youngsters with four goals in the two matches, while Aoife Colvill has three to boot.
Their strength lies in the pace, energy and touch of their youth, and they will look to break open an injury-hit United, particularly on the counter as the Premiers push forward.
However their pacey style has seen them struggle against tonight’s opponents this year, with two 7-0 losses in the league meaning that the Academy will start as firm underdogs tonight. In both of those matches the Blue Devils were allowed to get off to fast starts, and preventing that will be a key focus for Aroon Clansey’s side.
For United, their wrap of the Premiership with three rounds to go is a bonus given Antoni Jagarinec’s talk of injury struggles, but coming into a Cup final under the same conditions is hardly ideal. Their two big wins over tonight’s opponents have come with full strength sides, and they appear set to be tested in tonight’s encounter.
One of their biggest strengths is their experience, with this side well versed in competing at the top Strong across the park, particularly up front, United have the depth to overcome tonight’s challenge despite injuries but after a narrow 1-0 win over Canberra FC on the weekend they know they will be pushed.
How to watch: Live on BarTV Sports via Youtube & Facebook, or in person at McKellar Park from 7pm.
