Cup Final That Fell Flat

Well the inaugural Football Federation Cup concluded for this season and in general it was a very big success and I for one am a huge advocate for the continuation of this tournament.

Perth Glory travelled to Adelaide United's home ground to try and defy the odds in front of a sea of red of Adelaide fans who were rather quiet until later on in the game. Perth were just never really in this contest but were competitive for the first 20 minutes. Adelaide United were just simply too good and ran out 1-0 winners. Fair credit to Perth for, despite being dominated in every facet by the hosts they held firm to only let in one goal which was rather difficult to try and keep out.

Would have to say the way the FFA conducted the match was rather poor as it did not feel like a cup final rather like a regular season fixture with a bit more riding on it. There was no match day program, the announcers were heavily parochial and the confusing switching of the away bays were a few issues that the FFA really should look at. It is the nature of Australian football to not really have a set venue like in the English FA Cup but adequate preparation of say a gap of a month or 2 mixed in between A-League fixtures can give supporters plenty of time to plan a trip to support their team and raise the capital to make an assault on the host city's many drinking and eating establishments!

Drink was pretty good as coopers were 7 dollars; cool drinks and water was 4.50 with a dedicated lane at the bar to speed up the process for those who just want something non-alcoholic which was nice. The crowds being a 16,000 sell-out made it rather difficult to try and obtain information on the food side of things, also compounded by the fact I was there with the Perth supporters and clearly was getting harassed and a few morons were trying to start fights.

Viewing at the ground is not great and you are rather exposed to the elements at Hindmarsh. It is very much like a US style sporting venue where there is no cover and it is just seating.

The royal box set up was rather amusing being a guard rail from a landing to one of the grandstand entrances. However it was nice of the FFA to try something despite getting everything else wrong for a cup final.

Well that is it for me for this Adelaide adventure I shall try and make my way to other venues this Christmas period but with me on holidays that may be difficult. May all my readers and my supporters have a safe and merry Christmas with a great New Year's celebration trailing behind!