Loyal adventures

Saturday was a road trip to Wollongong to see Wollongong Wolves Football Club host Canberra Olympic Football Club in the NPL Finals Series. The Premiers of NPL Capital Football playing the Premiers of Football NSW.The scene was Albert Butler Memorial Park, and I got my first glance as I sped past on the highway, Google maps telling me my destination was on the left - unfortunately the exit was waaay further left (like behind me!) and after a bit of exploring I found the bumpy little dirt track leading to this gem of a ground. It's even cooler that it has a 'hidden' entrance, like the Bat...

I headed up the highway again to take in some FFA Cup magic as Sydney United 58 FC hosted Western Sydney Wanderers FC in Campbelltown. Was not disappointed, although I was hoping for a closer contest. It ended up a very comfortable win for the Wanderers but that doesn't reflect the passion on display.    I reckon it was about 50:50 in supporter terms, heaps of families as well as two of the stronger active support groups in the country. Lots of noise from both SUS and RBB at either end of the stands and it lasted all game no matter what the score. Still impressed by...

The early goal on Wednesday night was tough for Marconi Stallions FC to manage. The teams were fairly even across the park and I especially liked the solid home defence, Melbourne City FC had to work hard for their chances.    The late Stallions goal gave them a big boost though and boy they went close to forcing extra time. Some might disagree but I thought the main difference between the two sides was that extra polish, fitness and consistency that comes from fulltime football. Top match to be part of.   

On the weekend I joined up with Ryan from Australian Football to road trip it over to Wollongong to see the Wollongong Wolves Football Club host Sydney United 58 FC at WIN Stadium. Wolves have been tearing it up, sitting on top of the league with new goal scorer Thomas James scoring for fun. United didn't turn up to muck around though and it was a juicy match in front of a pretty big crowd. An injury time heart breaker stopped the Wolves run, although I thought they had the bestof the chances, a 2-1 victory to the visitors. The Wolves put on a good home...

I ditched Mother's Day early (love you Mother of my children!) to drive to the Hyundai A-League semi final in Sydney last night. I suppose another extra time thriller was too much to hope for, but I didn't expect the drubbing that Sydney FC handed to Melbourne Victory. 6-1 and they were kind of lucky it wasn't more. Crowd was good I thought, lots of noise, Aussie Pat got me tickets in the posh seats this time which had a great view. Should be a cracker in the Grand Final next week in Perth. My money is on Perth Glory - let's see.