Archives

« Previous Post | Next Post »

Who said the magic of the FA Cup couldn't be created in a NSW competition? Well, I did actually! But last night Balmain let a few people know outside the Conference what the Spirit and Commitment that embodies that famous Cup is all about. A full 37 places above Balmain, the Marconi Stallions might have been forgiven for taking this one lightly, but it would appear not as they played a majority of their first team players at Lambert Park.

The Tigers were always going to be up for this one but coming off their first defeat of the season it made them even more determined to upset the spaghetti cart. And we were barely 2 minutes into the game when a great knock-down from Hardwick put Bracewell in on goal. Not finished with saying "I am sharp and alert" in his head the wiley striker shot with the outside of his right foot forcing a good save, though a left footed shot across goal (in hindsight) would have been a better option. Startled into action Marconi began to take the game to Balmain with relentless pressure but as the game wore on and Balmain repelled wave after wave of attack it was apparent that the Premiership boys were becoming increasingly frustrated.

Half time came and went with the score 0-0 and there was an anticipation around the ground as Balmain began to put a few attacks together. A great run and cross from Hardwick was taken off the foot of Bracewell by the keeper to see his parried effort fall in the middle of the box, but alas the effect of tiring legs was now too great for anyone to be there for the simple tap in. It was now looking good for the Tigers but, as is football, Marconi were handed a soft penalty as the referee looked to make amends for a penalty he felt he should have given earlier, and in the 58th minute it was 1-0 Marconi. It was now time for another hero to step forward in keeper Delaney who parried, scooped, tipped over and blocked anything the Stallions could throw at him. Eventually it took something special in a 25 yard free kick to beat him in his top corner to make it 2-0.

You would think 20 to go, game over? Not Balmain! As players went down with cramp and fatigue the men in gold still battled on and were rewarded when the mostly unused Marconi keeper handed Balmain a lifeline via a simple back pass which he completely air kicked only to turn and see the ball trickle into his goal! The goal gave the crowd the biggest cheer of the night and a last 5 minutes Marconi did not need. As they pushed, Balmain were caught at the back but the incomparable Delaney refused to be breached and in the dying seconds Hatzidavid turned his man on the edge of the box to shoot on goal! You could have heard a pin drop as the ball flew through the air only to see the keeper redeem himself with a finely caught save.

And that was it, 2-1 to Marconi, but I feel the victory was Balmain's in the fact that, in the clubs 20 year history no game has been bigger, and every man who took part in the game took his opportunity to perform to his best and left this writer a very, very proud man.