Hill Top produced a stirring comeback to take down Albion Park FC 3-1 in the All Age Final of the Peter Webster Cup.Three unanswered second half goals late in the game sealed the epic win.
Albion Park FC nearly got off to the perfect start when in the opening minute, a long ball fortuitously fell to Dylan Crandell who found himself through on goal. Christopher Packer did incredibly well to catch him and block the shot.
Hilltop’s first chance fell to Braden Egan on the edge of the area; his driving shot going straight at Dean Beichert.
On eight minutes, an Albion Park clearance fell to Joshua Nickl 30 yards out. His half volley was struck as sweet as they come as it spectacularly smashed against the underside of the cross bar and somehow managed to stay out.
On 10 minutes, Albion Park hit the lead. An inconspicuous cross was headed up in the air. It looked to be covered by the goalkeeper, however it somehow managed to fall under the cross bar and over the line.
On 15 minutes, a great pass from Albion Park’s Jacob Lester found Crandell in space. He powered forward before unleashing a shot that required a fine save from Andres Ferreiro.
From the resulting corner, Conor Edenden blasted a loose ball from a couple of yards out.
On 25 minutes, Tyler Snelgrove got a good header away that hit the underside of the cross bar and bounced away.
Just a couple of minutes later, Hill Top had another golden chance when a corner was floated to the far post. It found Blake Friedrich wide open however his header from close range went wide.
Just before half time, Spencer Barnes hit one from 30 yards and was not that wide.
Albion Park holding on to a 1-0 lead at the break.
Hill Top started the second half with intent and
On 53 minutes, Snelgrove chased down a back pass and forced a charge down from the goalkeeper with the ball deflecting across goal.
Another long ball found Snelgrove in space on the right. He drove into the box and unleashed a rocket that found the top left corner.
Just five minutes later, Dylan Errington forced an amazing save off the Goalkeeper and from the corner, the keeper was keeping the Park in the game with yet another fine stop.
On 71 minutes, Snelgrove again chased down a loose ball and crossed it to Barnes who fluffed his shot with the goal at his mercy.
Just a minute later, Hill Top thought they had scored with Friedrich shot only parried down to Snelgrove who tapped in but he was adjudged off side.
On 75 minutes, Albion Park squandered a big chance as the bouncing ball was not dealt with and Matthew Cignarella skied his shot from about ten yards out.
Hill Top were pushing hard and with eight to go, Barnes took a firm shot from the edge of the box that was saved.
With five to go, a weaving run from Errington saw him drive into the box and slot his left foot shot into the far corner.
Just two minutes later, they all but sealed the win with H#3 squaring the ball to Snelgrove who smashed it home for 3-1.
It was a dominant second half from the Highlanders who perhaps on the balance of play deserved the win and title of 2024 Peter Webster Cup All Age Champions.
Report by Bobby Mazevski
Photo courtesy of Graham Brown
