The Oakleigh Cannons have lifted yet another trophy, defeating Heidelberg 3-0 in the Dockerty Cup Final on Friday, August 4.
Thousands of fans flocked to Kingston Heath Soccer Complex to witness the Cannons claim their third trophy in two years in a stereotypical clinical performance.
Oakleigh Cannons Head Coach Chris Taylor was delighted with his team’s performance when speaking post-game.
“All in all, a great set of boys that we have got,” he said.
“I am really proud of you all and the club as well.
“First time we have won the Dockerty Cup, it’s a big one for us.”
The match started with both sides trying to find their feet in the wet conditions at Kingston Heath after a downpour pre-game.
Heidelberg pressed the Oakleigh defence early with Josh Pin looking dangerous out the back, although Oakleigh full-back Brodie Boyce proved absolute with Oliver Kubilay providing a helping hand in midfield.
In the 25th minute, Heidelberg defender Ajdin Fetahagic was shown a straight red card for a rough challenge on Oakleigh’s Joe Guest inside the box.
The dynamic midfielder then placed the ball on the spot and nailed the penalty kick, continuing his scoring form in the Dockerty Cup.
After going a man down, Heidelberg continued to fight hard and continue chances, however, they weren’t able to level the score.
After both sides returned from half-time, Oakleigh continued to pile on the pressure on the undermanned Bergers’ outfit with repeated scoring chances eventually forcing another penalty after Stefan Valentini was taken down in the box.
Oakleigh captain Joe Guest scored his second goal for the night from the penalty spot, making it a tall mountain to climb for Heidelberg in the second half.
Alex Salmon continued to cause headaches forward of the ball for Oakleigh before Heidelberg’s Dom Falla and Adrian Zahra started to take control of the midfield as the Bergers desperately tried to claw back the deficit.
Heidelberg’s Shunsuke Murakami showed his pace to test the Oakleigh defence as the game wore on, but Oakleigh withstood the attack and regained control as the clock started to tick closer to the 90-minute mark.
Heidelberg keeper Brendan White started playing more attacking, clearing the ball higher up the pitch.
The shot-stopper's offensive mindset came back to haunt him as he slipped over in the slippery conditions, allowing Oakleigh’s Alex Salmon to score his side’s third goal into an open net.
With the result beyond doubt, the Heidelberg faithful continued to show their disdain for the result, but it was Oakleigh who had the last laugh when the full-time whistle was blown.
Oakleigh Cannons captain Joe Guest was named best on the ground for his two-goal performance from midfield.