Amateur side Hamersley Rovers have been handed the prize of a Soccer Pools Cup semi-final clash with Sorrento while Western Knights and ECU Joondalup are to face-off in the other semi-final after the draw was made live on radio 6PR.
Sorrento coach Steve Neville received the draw he wanted, but was cautious not to look too far ahead to a potential mouth watering local derby final with ECU Joondalup, should both teams win their respective matches.
“We’ve drawn the lower league team, and they have two or three ex Sorrento players, so they will have a point to prove. We are happy with the draw but it is a potential minefield, as everyone expects Sorrento to win the game” said Neville.
Hamersley coach Kevin Clifford had mixed emotions after the draw, as he is pitted against the club he supports and watches every week.
“I have mixed emotions. I’ve played for the club and still support them and watch them every week. They are a good side, but I would have preferred to have drawn one of the other teams. It’s a one off game and anything can happen, it is the year of the underdog, we are happy to be in the competition and getting the opportunity to play Saturday (league) teams” he said.
The Western Knights were handed a tough match against ECU Joondalup and long serving coach Ronnie Campbell believes it is his side’s only realistic chance for silverware this season.
“It is without doubt our best chance for silverware. We have had a disappointing start to the league season, so the cup is our best opportunity; it is a special day (the final). We will do what we can to get not only our first team, but also our reserves through to the final” he said.
ECU Joondalup have not won any silverware since 2002 when they won the same competition and coach Chris Nicholson says his side will take the competition very seriously.
“It is our biggest opportunity for a trophy (this year), it is a good competition and we are going to take it very seriously. We have done it the hard way so far, but to win the competition you need to beat the best teams and you are always going to draw a good team in the semi finals. It is a one off game and they (Knights) will certainly be up for it, but so will we” said Nicholson.
Full Draw for State League Soccer Pools Cup semi finals:First Team (Wednesday August 20, 2008) | Hamersley Rovers | v | Sorrento | 6.00pm | E&D Litis Stadium | | Western Knights | v | ECU Joondalup | 8.30pm | E&D Litis Stadium |
Reserves (Date TBA) | Fremantle Spirit | v | FW NTC Boys | 6.00pm | TBC | | Western Knights | v | ECU Joondalup | 8.15pm | TBC |
Under 18's (Date TBA) | Fremantle Spirit | v | Forrestfield United | 6.00pm | TBC | | Perth SC | v | Stirling Lions | 8.15pm | TBC |
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