Sans Souci win McDonalds Cup match in thriller

Sans Souci last night defeated Hakoah FC in Round One of the Football NSW McDonalds Cup knock out competition.

It's a huge achievement for Sans Souci who have toppled a more fancied opponent from State League Division 2 in Hakoah FC.

After a scoreless first half which Sans Souci dominated but could not put away the allusive goal we were treated to a wonderful display of football from both teams in the second half.

Sans Souci again dominated the early exchanges and seemed most likely to score but as we have seen of Sans Souci teams in the past they can often dominate games but conceed soft goals at crucial times. That was not to be the case when Souci were rewarded with a go ahead goal in the 55th minute courtesy of Nick Theodorakopoulos.

A lovely build up down the left saw central midfielder Gino Calluti with space on the left to deliver a wonderful cut back ball along the ground which Theodorakopoulos calmly slid away with his left foot into the bottom corner. It was just deserts for both Gino and Nick who were both having outstanding games.

The goal seemed to spark Hakoah into life who then started to counter attack in numbers and their passing also improved on what we'd seen during the game to that point.

With about 15 minutes to play after some wonderful build up by the Hakoah midfield, a tricky through ball caught the Sans Souci defence flat and a Hakoah striker on goal. Souci keeper Emre got off his line well only to clear the rolling ball directly into the Hakoah striker who was bearing down on him. The clearance was hit hard enough that the deflection was enough to carry into the goal from 20 yards to deal Sans Souci a crushing blow after dominating the game.

The challenge also saw Emre sustain a knee injury which saw him leave the field and be substituted by reserve keeper George Zajakovski.

At 1-1 the game didn't let up and straight from the kick off Sans Souci were again on the attack and they again seemed to take control of the game. The counter attack from both teams was at a startling pace and there were more near misses including another Nick T attempt which hit the woodwork.

With stoppage time approaching and the crowd getting comfortable for extra time, Nick Theo won the ball in the Hakoah defensive third and sent a lovely pass across the top of the box to Steve Grey who struck the ball at pace with a furious left foot from 20 yards. It was a superb goal and another reward for Steve who has started the season ilke a house on fire.

The final few minutes were played again at a breakneck speed with Hakoah having one final chance cleared off the line before the final whistle blew which sent the Souci players and fans into raptures.

It was a true testament to the game which was played in a great spirit and the Hakoah team were gracious in defeat and we wish them well in their season.

There were too many standouts in the Souci team to name them but what must be said is that the workrate and the fitness level this year is a massive improvement and that showed last night.

Well done guys.

 Darren