Coca-Cola Federation Cup Final

Captains Ben Moore and Lee Robertson

Para Hills v MetroStars
 Kick-off 3pm

Referee:            Stephen Toth
 Assistants:        Curtis Wordsworth, Eric Ford
 Fourth Official:  Gary Mooney

Reserves:          Playford City v MetroStars
                     Kick-off 12:30pm

U19:                 Adelaide City v MetroStars
                 Kick-off 10am

Para Hills:

1. Ben MOORE(GK) (C), 3. Matthew WISE, 5. Matthew CENTRONE, 6.  Matthew MARCHIORO, 7. Michael MULLEN, 8. Reece MCLAUGHLIN, 9. Tommy BLACKETT, 11. Russell CLAYTON, 12. Jacob WILLIAMS, 13. Ben EVANS, 14. Rhys TOWNSEND, 15. Liam MULVANEY, 16. Brett SELGA, 17. Jairus WYTEN, Tim RAMSEY (RGK)

 MetroStars:

20. Daniel GODLEY (GK), 2. David MENECHELLA, 5. Lee ROBERTSON, 7. Michael D’ALOISIO, 8. Rocky CALLISTO, 9. Steven GRELLI, 10. Andrew CIARLA, 11. Scott TUNBRIDGE, 12. Stefan CALI, 14. James YONG, 15. Michael MATRICCIANI, 17. Michael RENDE, 18. Joseph CRESCITELLI, 19. Francesco MONTEROSSO, 21. Adam VAN DOMMELE, 23. Perry MITRIS

The chance to lift silverware and potentially celebrate a League and Cup double is up for grabs when Para Hills meet MetroStars in the Coca-Cola Federation Cup Final at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.

Devine Premier League outfit Para Hills wrapped up promotion a fortnight ago and were defeated 2-1 last weekend against local rivals Modbury, but still hung on to clinch the championship via goal difference over Adelaide Cobras.

Knights coach Simon Catanzaro admitted his team celebrated as any newly-crowned champions would, but maintains the players’ minds are entirely focused on the task at hand.

“We celebrated a lot after last Saturday and the mood in the squad is upbeat. We have just won the championship and are looking forward to fighting for another trophy,” he said.

“The guys are eager to get to Hindmarsh Stadium and give the best performance they can. They have been putting in the hard yards all season and especially the last few weeks to get to the position we are.”

Aside from the League triumph, the Knights have accounted for some quality opposition in order to reach the Cup Final after an extra-time Quarter-Final victory over Adelaide Blue Eagles and their Semi-Final success over Adelaide City.

Catanzaro believes those performances will have helped prepare his side for Saturday’s Cup Final.

“It does help in some ways to have played the teams we have along the road,” he said.

“Given our respective positions we will respect Metro like the other teams. However, we will go out there knowing we can beat them and as always, look to give a good account of ourselves.”

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play in these sorts of matches and have just told the guys to go out there and enjoy the day, as well as do the small things which can help us get over the line.”

MetroStars are no strangers to Federation Cup success, having triumphed in 2004 and 2008. They come into the Final on the back of three straight victories in all competitions after securing third and a double chance in the finals.

Coach Rick Cerracchio admitted  his troops are excited ahead of the Final as they seek to lift their first trophy since winning the Super League title in 2009.

“The mood is very excited and confident ahead of the game. The guys are looking forward to it and want to win silverware after a few trophyless seasons,” he said.

“We come into the match in good form. In recent weeks we have regained a full strength side which has given us flexibility and options. All is going well at the moment.”

Cerracchio played down the favourites tag and is taking nothing for granted, especially considering who Para Hills eliminated to reach the Final.

“I do not believe we are favourites and in the end it is up to whoever delivers the best performance on the day,” he said.

“Whoever makes the least mistakes will come out on top. There is no overconfidence on our part. We are expecting to come up against an organised side that will be willing to fight and scrap for every ball.”

“They have already taken two big scalps and we expect nothing less than a battle. Metro does not fear Para Hills but we do respect them. We know what they are capable of.”