GSSA 2023: Caledonians complete undefeated season with cup glory over Albany Bayswater in men’s top division

Caledonians have capped a dominant season in the Great Southern Soccer Association, winning the men’s division one cup final against Albany Bayswater on Friday night. Neither side could be separated at the end of the 90 minutes with a late Doug Grant goal in extra-time sealing a stirring 3-2 win as Caledonians finished their entire league and cup campaign undefeated. Caledonians player-coach Ben Harris said an unwavering sense of belief in their style and system played a key role in the cup final result and their season. “We talked really heavily about sticking to our processes and our game and that’s what we did,” he said. “We’ve been on the track for 36 weeks so we knew we had the fitness for extra-time, it was just about making sure we kept chasing the ball. “Funnily enough it actually took a set-piece to beat them. “I’m just really proud of the lads to stick to the plan and get through it. “It’s a sweet victory for us, there’s a few guys in here that have never won a thing in their careers playing football. “I turn 40 next year so it’s going to be my last season at this level, it’s an exceptional way to go out. “These kind of seasons don’t come around all the time, you have to be exceptionally consistent.” After a stiff battle in the opening 10 minutes, Caledonians struck first through a classy volley, Levi Clay rocketing his attempt from a corner to open scores. Caledonians’ Oliver Trichilo put a free kick wide of the mark before Bayswaters’ Marlon Dewata, who was causing plenty of problems from right wing, saw one of his attempts sail off target. However, Bayswater would have their breakthrough, a collision in the box earning them a penalty against the run of play, Zach Cash burying the attempt in the bottom left corner to draw level. Trent Eikelboom very nearly snatched back the lead for Caledonians before halftime but his headed effort at the back post went astray. Bayswater started in promising fashion in the first minutes of the second period but it was Caledonians who continued to control possession. Calvin Bosch found a neat touch from a corner, poking in his side’s second goal halfway through the term and they were knocking on the door for a third in the minutes that followed. Bayswaters’ Leif Wright repelled an entry for Caledonians before Trichilo narrowly missed a long-range effort from a free kick. An erratic ball landed at the feet of Harris who had a pop from outside the box, his shot deflected from a defender into the grateful hands of goalkeeper Levi Masih. Caledonians’ Dale Bloor was cautioned with a yellow card for an errant slide tackle with Bayswater asking all the questions late in the half. Bayswater substitute Alex Genovese skied a shot and Dewata put another half chance off target but there was to be more late drama. With just under two minutes left on the clock, another collision in the penalty box resulted in the referee pointing to the spot, giving Bayswater’s Cash a chance at sending the game into extra time. The youngster picked out that same bottom left corner, sending the Bayswater faithful into raptures on the touch line. That joy would be short-lived, however, as Caledonians found their third in the opening minute of extra-time. Harris lobbed a ball from a set piece into the path of the Doug Grant at the back post, the big-bodied defender heading in what would prove to the decisive goal. Despite a late push, Caledonians held firm to seal a memorable result. For the winners, Harris and Kay bossed the midfield to be among Caledonians best while Grant and Trichilo also shone for the winners. Basywaters’ Dewata and Cash were outstanding going forward along with captain James Opuni while Brad Copeland played a versatile role at left-back in a losing affair. Kay was named best afield for his superb efforts. “I think the boys really showed they wanted to have a win,” Bayswater coach Enzo Manera said. “It’s the first year they have played as a division one side, they didn’t want to quit or bow their heads at all. “The whole backline was so composed and Zach Cash at 17 years of age to score those pressure penalties was brilliant. “These guys have been playing together since year two and three and it’s the last time they’ll all probably play together, it was a great effort.”