Despite the biting cold and steady rainfall, Gosnells City met Canning City at Willetton Reserve for the finals of the Frank Longstaff Cup on July 19.
Gosnells triumphed over Canning with a 4-1 lead saving them from relegation.
With kick off at 6.45pm the beginning of the first half saw both teams slightly disjointed in their desperation to score.
Eventually Gosnells settled into the game dominating possession of the ball.
This did not deter Canning City who attacked fiercely but they were too thinly spread out to coordinate between each other and ultimately their formation cost them the game.
Still, it was a tense and exciting first half with Canning City creating a number of opportunities to score, but every time it was deflected by the Gosnells goalkeeper in saves which brought loud cheers from the Gosnells supporters.
Finally, just before halftime Gosnells player Josh Wade, with a spectacular assist from teammate Cherno Bah, managed to break through Canning’s defences and scored the first goal to thunderous yells of support from the Gosnells side.
Even the two yellow cards given to Gosnells did not deter the celebrations, but it did garner some expletives towards the referee.
The second half saw Canning come back with new vigour and determination as they tried to equalise.
The Canning team had some impressive ‘almost goals,’ but they were left disappointed as they could not make it past Gosnells defences.
Gosnells captain Dean Apelgren’s goal resulted in cheers and a victory dance as Canning City looked on.
Throughout the game the Canning side did not falter but attacked with everything they had left, in the end they were unable to win, but their fighting spirit was something to be admired.
Gosnells coach Alan Dunlop said it was fantastic to pick up some silverware for the club and to come away with the three points.
“A lot of people put a lot of hard work in around the place,” he said.
“It’s good as coaches and players to reward everyone with a trophy.”
