This year’s Julie Porter Cup edition features an intriguing clash between the ‘new kids on the block’ – Shoalhaven, who face competition heavyweights Woonona FC.
Don’t think for one minute that this will be a walk in the park for Woonona. In the preliminary rounds, Shoalhaven defeated the Sharks 2-0, and they went on to top the group.
Shoalhaven come into this match sitting in fourth place, whilst Woonona (second) are desperately trying to hunt down Shellharbour JFC. Their focus, at least for the early part of this week, will be the Cup fixture.
As reigning champions, Woonona will be looking to go back-to-back and score the first lot of silverware up for grabs this season.
Shoalhaven is on a steep learning curve, such is the quality of the WPL. They will need to be at their best to stop Woonona this Wednesday, who have only lost once all season. They have picked up Brittany Ring mid-season, who is starting to find her feet at Ocean Park.
Shaylee Meehan has continued her goal-scoring form; however, she is going up against the league’s tightest defence.
Woonona has won the last two encounters between the two sides this season by one goal. Another tight game is expected, and when it comes to Cup games, it simply comes down to who is most up for it on the day.
Speaking with Meredith Cheyne recently, she said, “We are expecting a tough match. Woonona is super competitive. We will need to be at our best to disrupt their distribution”.
Woonona, on the other hand, is weary of Shoalhaven and their threats, with defender Morgan Potter saying, “They have a well-organised side and we have learned from the loss earlier this season. We won’t be taking anything for granted on Wednesday night”.
Shoalhaven are coming off the bye and whilst they would have preferred to have kept playing, the break has allowed players to freshen up ahead of the Final. Woonona made light work of Thirroul on the weekend as they secured a 5-0 win, which will fill them with confidence.
Kick off – 8.00 pm @ Ian McLennan Park
Wednesday 23 July
Referee: Martin Rowney
Assistants: Daniel Wilkinson and Olivia Volpato
Fourth Official: Alex Viselli
For the first time, we have incorporated a Youth Cup as part of this knockout format. Shellharbour JFC take on Bulli FC in the curtain raiser.
Despite these two teams sitting well apart on the competition table, you can throw that form out the window.
Bulli has proven they have some very talented youngsters, most of whom are playing in higher grades through the season. This Cup competition brings them together as they face opponents who have a successful track record.
Bulli have been on quite a cup run and Shellharbour certainly won’t be underestimating them.
Kick off – 6.00 pm @ Ian McLennan Park
Wednesday 23 July
Referee: Luke Golding
Assistants: Jackson Dimovski and Ryan Cergovski
Fourth Official: Mark Bright
Don’t miss all the action with gates opening at 5.00 pm and full canteen facilities available.
