Rearguard action provides memorable Gold Cup victory for Avenellonians

Two goals from set pieces gave Old Avellonians a 2-0 victory over Shaolin Avengers in a keenly contested Gold Cup final. Star defender Federico Fazzio was the hero for Daniel Smith's winning team, opening the scoring in the 17th minute by heading home from a pinpoint Selcuk Inan delivery. He then ensured it was game, set and match by turning in Craig Gardner's corner in the dying seconds of the game.

By comparison, although Matt Booth's much-lauded Avengers side tried very hard to penetrate the Avellonian defence, their players were pretty much banging their heads against a brick wall. Much credit must be given to the American's opposite number Smith, the Englishman demonstrating tactical astuteness throughout 90 minutes of compelling play.

Football purists may complain that Avellonians' performance had the air of negativity about it. But let's not forget that this side has scored no less than 11 goals since the quarter finals. Smith's team also knocked out that advocate of attractive attacking play and defending champions King Krimson in the last eight.

Booth was gracious in defeat:

We went out with an attacking mentality and I feel no shame in that. Rather, I give full credit to Old Avenellonians. Daniel's team played great defensively and, truth be told, we hardly threatened his goal. I am, if anything, a bit disappointed in my defense, who gave up 2 set piece goals to a centreback that was marked. But that's football... now we have to concentrate on finishing in the top 3 this season, before any thoughts of next season's Gold Cup.

Smith played down his side's chances of defending the Cup while paying tribute to the Avengers:

The Gold Cup final was quite an even contest and neither team was clearly superior on the balance of play. I think what gave me the edge was that my defence were able to win a lot of balls around the box and retain possession, while the Avengers seemed to concede a lot of corners and other set peices when I attacked. My team are very strong from set pieces and this was crucial.

I very much doubt that I can defend the cup next season. There are too many good teams competing for it and in the knockout stages you cannot afford even a single bad result.