Castle Hill United PL have added another trophy to their cabinet after defeating North Rocks PL 2-0 in the 2019 Hills Cup Final at Valentine Sports Park on Wednesday night.
In what was a repeat of the 2018 Hills Cup Final, both sides headed into the match full of confidence and belief after their semi-final performances.
Castle Hill United came off the back of a last minute victory over Kellyville Kolts, while North Rocks shined in their fixture against Winston Hills, defeating the Bears on penalties, while playing the match with 10 men for over an hour.
In the opening ten minutes, United looked the brighter side, with Matt Hull, who was playing the lone striker, pressuring the North Rocks backline forcing Jack Nichols to play the long ball.
United took the lead in the 24th minute.
Matt Hull was through on goal from a poor defensive clearance by Marko Vrlijic, driving himself into the six yard box.
His initial attempt was blocked by Nichols, but Hull reacted quickest to the loose ball, poking his effort into the back of the net, giving Castle Hill the advantage.
Four minutes later, North Rocks keeper Michael Robb was called into action when Daniel Berry beat his man down the right flank, whipping in a dangerous cross into the six yard only for Robb to parry out to the feet of Michael French, who was unable to get a shot away.
North Rocks struggled to create chances under a resilient United backline.
In the 43rd minute, Adam Di Giglio tried an audacious effort from 24 yards, but his shot was saved comfortably by Joel Baker.
Chances were very few and limited in the first half, with United heading into the half-time break full of confidence.
North Rocks knew that time was not on their side, subbing on winger Jordan Peters to create attacking opportunities.
In the 51st minute, a counter attack from one flank to the other, saw Peter Lautre whip a cross into the six yard box, searching for Hull, but Robb was able to catch the ball cleanly.
Just seconds later, Michael Robb was tested again for another cross.
Matt Hull’s cross was aimed for the back post with Robb parrying the ball out before Pandya cleared it wide.
In the 56th minute, North Rocks were caught asleep, as Adam Dimartino ran down the right flank, whipping in a threatening ball for Charlie Jones, but Michael Robb did enough to prevent a certain goal.
North Rocks’ first chance of the second half came in the 68th minute, when Jordan Peters reached highest for his header, only for his effort to go wide.
Connor Holmes stood tall in the back for United, making North Rocks’ night difficult and limiting opportunities.
In the 75th minute, Caine Bell flicked his header to the feet of Matt Hull, whose first time effort was blocked by the North Rocks defence and then later cleared by Jack Nichols.
The men in green and white had a chance to seal the victory in the 79th minute, when Michael French ran through the North Rocks defence, taking his shot outside the box only for Robb to save down to his left.
But a minute later, United got their second goal.
Wonderful passage of play, saw Matt Hull release a ball to Daniel Berry, whose laying touch was able to find Caine Bell.
Bell took his time and finessed his shot from 20 yards to beat Michael Robb with the 2019 Hills Cup now in their full grasp.
North Rocks threw everything they could in the final minutes of the match, with Prospt’s effort blocked by Holmes, who played defensively well for the entire match.
Celebrations were aplenty when the full-time whistle blew, with Castle Hill United becoming the first side to lift the Hills Cup for consecutive seasons.
Unfortunately for North Rocks, their gallant 13 match undefeated streak came to an end.
On Saturday, Castle Hill United host Kellyville Kolts with second spot up for grabs, while North Rocks travel to Glenhaven, knowing a victory is needed if they are to have any chance of playing in the 2019 Finals Series.
Report – Ian Pulczynski
Castle Hill United 2 (Hull 24’, Bell 80’)
def.
North Rocks 0
