BERGERS WIN THEIR FIFTH HELLENIC CUP TITLE

Heidelberg United have won their 5th Hellenic Cup title in a row by beating Ashburton (4-2) on penalties.  After the scores were (1-1) at full time, the extra time period saw the scores finish at (2-2) and thus force the result to be decided by a penalty shootout.

The Bergers went into the match as the underdogs having had very little match practice leading into the final, while Ashburton swept all before them scoring a total of 28 goals in three matches.  However, the Bergers dominated the majority of play in the first half and displayed some great touch under somewhat oppresive conditions.  With the scores level at the half time break, the Bergers were determined to maintain their momentum in the second half.  To their credit, Ashburton began to play themselves into the match whilst the Bergers showed signs of fatigue. 

In the 60th minute, Heidelberg recruit Katia Tavolaro was shown the red card and the Bergers had a battle on their hands. In the 76th minute Ashburton broke the deadlock and took a one goal lead and look set to break the Bergers four year reign as Hellenic Cup Champions. However, in the 80th minute, Megan Archer lached onto a Melanie Camilleri cross and volleyed the ball into the back of the net for the equaliser. 

The match went into extra time with the Bergers taking the lead when they were awarded a penalty for a hand ball in the Box.  Ashburton however equalised in the second period of extra time sending the match into extra time.

Katie Neville maded her presence felt during the penalty shoot-out saving two penalties to give the Bergers a (4-2) scoreline and their fifth Hellenic Cup title.