Parafield Gardens wins SAASL double after 3-0 win over Salisbury Inter in Challenge Cup final
PARAFIELD Gardens has clinched the amateur league and cup double after beating Salisbury Inter 3-0 in the Challenge Cup final yesterday.
PARAFIELD Gardens has clinched the league and cup double after beating Salisbury Inter 3-0 in the Challenge Cup final at Hindmarsh Stadium yesterday.
Gardens came into the game looking to win their seventh cup while Inter were looking to build on their 10 previous cup titles, the last of which was secured in 2003.
Inter started the better of the two sides and should have taken the lead when a cross picked out Jarred Foster who headed just wide of the goal.
On the half hour, Gardens broke the deadlock when Shane Pearce sidestepped his marker before striking a fine shot with the outside of his right foot, which left Keegan French helpless in the Inter goal.
Despite leading at the break, Gardens coach Duane Gray was far from pleased with his players and asked them to lift their effort in the second half.
Two minutes into the second period Parafield doubled its lead when Matthew Cockington was fouled in the box and the experienced Simon Catanzaro coolly slotted home the resulting penalty.
The champions continued to press and on 70 minutes the game was sealed when Pearce rounded the keeper for his second goal of the game to make it 3-0.
Gardens centre back Scott Weidenbach was named man of the match, not only for keeping the dangerous Andrew Butler quiet but also for playing his part in Parafield’s attacking movements.
Gardens coach Duane Gray said the win was the perfect way to cap off a memorable season for the club.
“To be honest I wasn’t happy with our first half but after the break I thought the boys were fantastic,” Gray said.
“The boys have been brilliant all season and have got just what they deserve.”
The Gardens had another reason to celebrate as their second side also sealed the league and cup double with a 9-1 hammering of Brahma Lodge in Sunday’s reserves final.