Several teams came from behind to record stirring wins, as the Bill Brackenbury Cup and Grace Martin Trophies delivered some thrillers on the weekend.
Words: Clement Tito
Bill Brackenbury Cup
Enfield Rovers 1-1 Hurlstone Park Wanderers
The first half ended goalless and things turned sour quickly for Hurlstone Park Wanderers as Harry Griffin-Colls was red carded in the 49th minute. Ironically, Eric Martinez put the outnumbered Wanderers in front moments later and while it looked promising for the visitors, Matthew Issa grabbed the equaliser for Enfield Rovers in the 73rd minute. After a very physical encounter, the match ended in a draw.
Balmain DFC 3-0 LFC Sports (forfeit)
LFC forfeited this game leaving Balmain with the three points.
APIA Leichhardt JFC 4-0 Strathfield FC
Four separate goal scorers ensured a comprehensive win for APIA Leichhardt JFC. Tyson Kaye gave the home side a lead as early as the 12th minute. What was otherwise a tightly contested affair was blown open in the final 10 minutes as John Paul-Foti, Jamieson Mobbs and Anthony Trimboli all got themselves on the scoresheet to get the chocolates for the hosts.
Grace Martin Trophy
Leichhardt Saints B 1-2 Leichhardt Saints A
A Lucia Gonzalez brace ensured a victory for Leichhardt Saints A. She gave her side the lead after 16 minutes before doubling it late in the second half. Isabel Adolphe managed to get a goal to set up a grandstand finish, but the hosts held on for the win
Hurlstone Park Wanderers 2-1 Strathfield FC
Hurlstone Park Wanderers staged a stirring comeback to win at home against Strathfield FC. It was Rachelle Sotirio who gave Strathfield the lead after just 16 minutes, before Emily Papas got the equaliser with just over 20 minutes left to play. It then got better for Hurlstone Park Wanderers as Lauren Wilson gave them the lead in the dying minutes. Unbelievable scenes at Strathfield Park saw Hurlstone Park Wanderers get the win.
Balmain DFC 2-3 Concord JSC
Concord JSC overcame a two-goal deficit to record an impressive win at Waterfront Drive Field. Elise Crimmins bagged an early brace, netting both goals inside seven minutes, only for Isadora Sabbouh to grab two of her own and ensure the teams were level at the break. Ellen Wlodarczyck then gave Concord the lead early into the second half, and that was enough for the visitors to hold on and take all three points.
