Striker could be the difference in Cup final

MANLY United FC captain Brendan Cholakian says mid-season signing Richie Cardozo could be his team’s X-factor in Sunday’s Waratah Cup final.

Manly United skipper Brendan Cholakian.

MANLY United FC captain Brendan Cholakian says mid-season signing Richie Cardozo will be his team’s X-factor in Sunday’s Waratah Cup final against Sydney United 58 FC at Lambert Park.

It looms as an absolute belter of a contest in Leichhardt, with both teams in scintillating form.

“Richie has been immense for us. He brings everyone else into the game,” Cholakian said.

“He is experienced and always puts himself in positions to score goals.

“Our aim will be to get him (Cardozo) the ball as often as possible as things tend to happen when the ball is at his feet.”

Manly’s Adam Parkhouse (right) is in career best form.

Cholakian, who is the sole Manly survivor from the 6-2 defeat against Blacktown City FC in the 2014 Waratah Cup final, also expects Adam Parkhouse to have a big game down the left flank.

“Adam has also been great for us. His confidence is at an all-time high,” he said.

“We are excited as a group and quietly confident.”

In good news for Paul Dee’s squad, one-time Manly striker Chris Payne is tipped to miss the decider due to a foot injury.

He has been prolific up front for Sydney United 58 FC all season and a number of A-League clubs could be monitoring his form.

Meanwhile, United’s women’s team should beat the struggling Emerging Jets on Sunday at Cromer Park.

Captain Bella Walker stressed the need to be ruthless from the outset.

“We are playing well but should be scoring more goals,” she said.

“The Jets are a young squad, so we need to be physical.”