Polonia and Rovers face off in men’s division one decider that highlights big weekend of GSSA cup finals

Ten teams will fight for silverware as five exciting cup finals are played in the Great Southern Soccer Association this weekend.

The 2022 women’s cup finals will be played on Friday night, followed by three men’s deciders on Saturday.

Polonia coach Roy Parsons is expecting a tightly contested match when his side square off with Rovers in the men’s division one cup final on Saturday night.

His side will be out to secure the cherished league and cup double after their division one title success in the last round of the league season last Saturday.

A draw with Denmark was enough to hand Parson’s side secure the coveted title after Caledonians dropped points against Rovers.

“It will be a close battle this weekend, we’ve both won games playing each other this year so it’s going to be a really tight one,” Parsons said.

“I think the midfield probably has the biggest role in both teams, we’re both very strong through that area.

“Both sides are quite dangerous up front with their attack, and defence also plays a big role in trying to shut down their dangerous forward play, but I think everything will come from the midfield.

“In defence I expect Alex Meston to have a good game and you’ll have Deacon (Mastalerz) and Kyron (Figliomeni) in the midfield and up front Liam (Murdock) and Smally (Nathan Small) will need to really stand up for the match.”

A Justin Bielecki brace helped Rovers notch a 4-2 win over Caledonians in their semifinal. Polonia eased past Denmark with a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals to Nathan Woods and Nathan Small.

In their head-to-head encounters this season, Rovers were 3-1 winners in round one and 2-1 winners in round 11.

Polonia emerged 3-0 winners in their round six clash and both sides played out a 1-1 draw in their most recent clash in round 16.

Meanwhile, a battle between juggernauts Mt Barker and Denmark A will determine the GSSA women’s division one cup winner on Friday night.

Denmark A pushed past Sonics with a 7-1 win in the semifinals. Mt Barker edged past Polonia with a thrilling penalty shootout victory.

Denmark A and Mt Barker have been the dominant sides this season and the league title is still up for grabs with one round left to play in the competition.

Denmark A prevailed over Mt Barker 3-2 in round seven of the league but Mt Barker were 5-1 winners in their most recent match in round 16.

Mt Barker coach James Morris expects an exciting final.

“Last time we played them (in the league), it was 2-1 at half-time and then we dominated the second half but I think this time around it will be hard, contested game of football,” Morris said.

“We can score goals quickly but it will just come down to who takes their chances I think, defence is going to play a part, too.

“Both defences are really strong, we’ve probably got a bit more attacking power in our forward half but I think defence is where the game will be won.

“Our two midfielders Lowana Winter and Libby Morris have had stand-out years so if they dominate it will be pretty hard to get past them.”

The women’s division one final is at 7.10pm on Friday with division two at 6.25pm.

The division one men’s decider is at 6.30pm on Saturday after the reserves fixture at 4.30pm

Phoenix and Bayswater contest the men’s division two final, and Polonia and Royals will contest the women’s division two decider.

The men’s social-masters cup final pits Old Boys and Baysie Socials at 5.15pm on Saturday.

GSSA Cup Finals

Friday

Women’s division two — Polonia v Royals at 6.25pm

Women’s division one — Mt Barker v Denmark A at 7.10pm

Saturday

Men’s division two — Phoenix v Bayswater at 4.30pm

Men’s social-masters — Old Boys v Baysie Socials at 5.15pm

Men’s division one — Rovers v Polonia at 6.30pm