Our Westfield FFA Cup opponent Floreat Athena have taken out the Western Australia Cool Ridge Cup, defeating Cockburn City 1-0 in a tight contest at Dorrien Gardens.
A late Jonathan Stynes winner sent the Athena faithful into delirium as the blue and whites secured their sixth state cup title.
The tight contest saw Cockburn have the lion share of the chances as a strong first half left Floreat looking hanging on at the break.
As the match became an end to end contest and extra time loomed, it was Stynes, with the help of strike partner Lewis McMahon, who stood up to the plate, burying his shot inside the penalty area and securing the result for Glen Grostate’s men.
Speaking to Football West post-match, the Floreat Athena Head Coach was proud of the resolve shown by his chargers in the do-or-die contest.
“The boys deserve it for all the hard work they’ve put in on and off the training track,” Grostate said.
“I think both sides worked out each other’s game plans early and I know we’re the winners on the day, but it was a great performance from Cockburn to take us all the way.
“Melbourne City is going to be a fun day for the club, but we still want to finish in the top four at the end of the season, so our attention turns to Stirling next week.”
Defender Chris Saldaris picked up the Stan Lazaridis Medal as the player of the match to cap off the performance.
City will take on Floreat Athena at Perth SC’s home ground, Dorrien Gardens, on Tuesday 2 August, kick-off 8.30pm AEST (6.30pm WA local). Find out how you can secure tickets for the match.
