It was billed as a dream cup final when the two oldest clubs at North End – defending East London Central Easter tournament champions Star of India and CC Lloyd darlings Seagulls FC – clashed on Easter Monday in the inaugural Cliffie Brown/Leon Meyer memorial Easter football tournament cup final.
And it certainly lived up to expectations before arguably one of the biggest crowds seen at the North End Stadium in years.
Both sides are equipped with arguably the most talented and productive players in the league at the moment and this was evident in the manner they swept aside opposing teams on their way to the final.
Star of India’s Lindsay Plaaitjies, Loyiso Bolsik, Myron Hoffman and striker Riaan Eugene made their presence felt early with some deft touches and off-the-ball running in the cup final.
It was however Seagulls’ potent attacking strike force drawing first blood when midfield general Arthur Haynes unleashed a venomous shot in the 32nd minute that gave Stars keeper Bradley Poovan no chance.
Seagulls slowly started wrestling control in the second half with captain and player of the tournament Ivandre Campbell, as well as the diminutive Ettiene Meth, delivering a masterful performance in the heart of the midfield while goalkeeper and UWC football captain Reon October appeared rock solid between the Seagulls sticks.
With the match swinging from end to end, Seagulls defender Mathew Haynes struck the killer blow in the 48th minute when he caught the Star of India defence out on the counter attack to extend his side’s lead.
The die appeared cast in the 53rd minute when Stars defender Enrico Percival received a straight red for a professional foul.
However, they reduced matters in the 58th minute when Riaan Eugene proved his predatory instincts with a clinical finish.
Seagulls held on, much to the delight of their fans as the final whistle blew to clinch their third Easter win.
There was also ecstasy in the Riverside camp when Damion Botha and Keanu Francis netted to earn their side a hard-fought 2-0 win against a resilient Shiloh FC and the gold event trophy.
Cape Town-based Belstar Legends proved to be too strong for a tenacious Seagulls outfit winning 3-0 in their cup final to clinch the Legends title. — DDC
Seagulls soar with Easter cup win over Star of India
And it certainly lived up to expectations before arguably one of the biggest crowds seen at the North End Stadium in years.
Both sides are equipped with arguably the most talented and productive players in the league at the moment and this was evident in the manner they swept aside opposing teams on their way to the final.
Star of India’s Lindsay Plaaitjies, Loyiso Bolsik, Myron Hoffman and striker Riaan Eugene made their presence felt early with some deft touches and off-the-ball running in the cup final.
It was however Seagulls’ potent attacking strike force drawing first blood when midfield general Arthur Haynes unleashed a venomous shot in the 32nd minute that gave Stars keeper Bradley Poovan no chance.
Seagulls slowly started wrestling control in the second half with captain and player of the tournament Ivandre Campbell, as well as the diminutive Ettiene Meth, delivering a masterful performance in the heart of the midfield while goalkeeper and UWC football captain Reon October appeared rock solid between the Seagulls sticks.
With the match swinging from end to end, Seagulls defender Mathew Haynes struck the killer blow in the 48th minute when he caught the Star of India defence out on the counter attack to extend his side’s lead.
The die appeared cast in the 53rd minute when Stars defender Enrico Percival received a straight red for a professional foul.
However, they reduced matters in the 58th minute when Riaan Eugene proved his predatory instincts with a clinical finish.
Seagulls held on, much to the delight of their fans as the final whistle blew to clinch their third Easter win.
There was also ecstasy in the Riverside camp when Damion Botha and Keanu Francis netted to earn their side a hard-fought 2-0 win against a resilient Shiloh FC and the gold event trophy.
Cape Town-based Belstar Legends proved to be too strong for a tenacious Seagulls outfit winning 3-0 in their cup final to clinch the Legends title. — DDC
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