Two-time GWC winners Dueling Dragons were dumped out of this season's competition at the Tyson Hill Memorial Stadium in the 2nd round after being reduced to ten men following the sending off of Avine just before half time. In a post match interview Parkes accepted that the card was warranted but had not given up hope of qualification despite being one man down:
No complaints about it [the red card] though, deserved a red and of course I'm disappointed with Avine's challenge. From that moment on, my team were second best and it was going to be a rearguard approach to the rest of the game. We have faced similar situations in this competition in the past and always prevailed but this time around we just couldn't deal with Strawberry Fields' one man advantage.
Diego Forlan gave the Dragons the lead in the 15th minute of the game after Fields' full back Aranda lost possession cheaply in his own half. The Dragons looked in control of the game until Avine's dangerous two-footed lunge on Rosinei saw referee Nicole Petignat produce a straight red card just before half time.
Strawberry Fields took advantage of their man advantage, dominating the second half, and it took a fine save from Dragons' goalkeeper Foster to prevent Rosinei levelling the scores in the 58th minute. However Fields' did not have to wait long for their equalizer, a breakaway down the left flank in the 64th minute resulted in Bukari powering the ball past a helpless Foster. The pressure continued and 10 minutes later Radovanovic headed in Ozil's cross from the left wing and Dragons' hopes of defending the trophy were fading fast.
Radovanovic thought he'd scored a second goal in the 90th minute, but it was rightly ruled out for offside.
MacLean was in reflective mood after the match admitting that the result had come as a bit of a surprise:
It's never easy when your drawn against a team of the Dragons' stature, and having never beat them before I think only a fool would have bet against Mr. Parkes side progressing. To see the kid Dejan grab the winner was great for his confidence. Hopefully some 'Berry fans can gladly call them self a rich fool.
Strawberry Fields go on to face Zac Ryan's Damaged FC in the next round, while Dragons' manager Andrew Parkes was left cursing a moment of madness from Avine that ended their GWC adventure:
I have to admit to being very disappointed to be out of the competition, largely due to my team's history with this cup. We will just have to regroup and push hard for the other titles up for grabs this season. I would also like to wish Craig the very best of luck for the rest of the competition and I shall be watching keenly as to who wins the cup before I work hard at regaining the crown next season.
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