BELGIORNOS CUP PREVIEW

The Belgiornos Cup Final will see traditional rivals Apollo Soccer Club
and IAC International go head to head in what is set to be a classic
encounter. The pitch at Bishop Road, home of Gambier Centrals is in
perfect condition and the timing of this fixture appears to be ideal as
International have gone from strength to strength in recent weeks and
Apollo returned to form last week with a convincing win against Dycer
Constructions Premiership hopefuls The Sharks.
For International, they would dearly love to return to the winners circle
and for Derek Ferguson’s Apollo now is the time to take advantage of the
perfect mix of youth and experience.
In goal Ben Morris has been steady this season and he will lead a very
impressive three man backline, which without a doubt is the best in the
league. Chris Bytheway has continued his good form from last season and is
often pushing forward to create chances. David Coles anchors the three and
is integral to Apollo’s success and Tom Inglis is the most improved player
in the Apollo outfit.
Apollo have been bolstered in recent weeks with the return of George
Panagopoulos and Ash Stenner who have made a huge difference to both the
middle of the park and their attacking options and the Stenner v Bonner,
Hancock v Morony clashes in the middle of park should be a highlight this
weekend.
Up front Apollo has various options with Matt Ripper, Matt Ferguson and
Stewie Wallace all popping up in recent weeks. Experience could be the key
and the bench, which could be packed with Stephenson’s, will be called
upon at some stage.
Likewise International have looked at experience recalling Robbie Manfrin
and welcoming the return of Marcus Morony in recent weeks. Morony will
always be a focal point and will no doubt be involved in a great deal on
Sunday. Manfrin will add some wisdom to a young defence, which could lack
the pace to cover both Ripper and the speedy Panagopoulos.
Club captain Dante Bonner will be glad to have Morony back in the middle
of the park and their partnership will be vital for Inter to win the
middle of the park. Up front Matt Bueti is regarded as the danger man and
his link up work with the like of Cella, Ielasi and Dedoro will be where the
match will be won and lost.
On paper Apollo look to have the edge with speedy youngsters, a tight
compact defence and maturity in the middle. They beat Inter in the
premiership and at the start of the year were red hot favourites. Inter
are sitting top of the premiership table and topped their cup group, the
value of Morony and Manfrin are huge and their return after missing the
minor rounds of the competition is a huge boost.
It could be enough to tip the scales in Inters favour.
It will come down to whoever has the greatest impact Stenner or Morony;
they will create the chances and feed the forwards.
Apollo should win, but...