The Griffith District Football Association reserve grade grand final was a game of cat and mouse where the cat was victorious in the end.
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The cat on this occasion was Hanwood FC who came back from a one-goal deficit at half-time to win 3-2 over Leeton United at EW Moore Oval.
Hanwood FC coach Anthony Agresta – who felt like he’d aged another five years after the heart-stopping final – was stoked to see his players take the win.
“Once we got that third goal and went down to 10 men, we were hanging on for dear life,” Agresta said.
“I’m wrapped with the boys effort.
“At half-time we looked a bit flat but we had a bit of a chat at the break and to comeback and score three goals in the second half and win the game – it’s pretty special.”
At half-time we looked a bit flat but we had a bit of a chat at the break and to comeback and score three goals in the second half and win the game – it’s pretty special.
- Hanwood FC coach Anthony Agresta
Leeton took the lead for the first time at the 18-minute mark when Frank Alampi rose above all others to head home a goal.
The score remained the same until Jordan Beltrame found the back of the net at the 65-minute mark.
Six minutes later, United regained its lead when a pinpoint cross found Jason Bowe who headed the ball over the keeper into the back of the net.
Hanwood FC reacted quicker this time around.
Daniel Agresta played a ball along the ground from the left side of the box and Jonathan Favero slammed the ball home with about 10 minutes left on the clock.
Favero was in the action minutes later when he reacted to a tackle by lashing out with his leg and has given his second yellow card of the day.
The resulting free kick was sent into the box by Jacob Zanatta.
Leeton goalkeeper Anthony Mandaglio couldn’t control the cross and Agresta put Hanwood FC in front for the first time in the match.
Leeton had a similar chance just minutes later but Hanwood FC’s scramble was good enough to prevent a goal.
From there, Hanwood saw out the victory.
Hanwood FC’s Morgan Forster was named man of the match for his mammoth effort in the midfield for the minor premier.
“He’s battled through a lot, he’s had a bunged up leg since halfway through the year,” Agresta said.
“To do what he does, mate, it takes a lot of courage.
“He definitely deserved it [man of the match award].”