BREAKING: Mill Park has clinched the inaugural Cecil Earley Plate with a stunning injury-time goal, defeating local rivals Whittlesea Ranges 3-2 in a thrilling final held on September 30, 2023. This decisive victory marks a significant achievement for Mill Park as they prepare for the upcoming Dockerty Cup.
The championship match showcased the fierce rivalry between the two teams, both competing in the State League 2 North-West. Mill Park dominated early play but struggled to convert opportunities into goals. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Shifa Ahmed found the net after expertly connecting with a cross.
However, the Ranges responded quickly, leveling the score just seven minutes later through Oliver Napoletano. The momentum shifted as Sam OHalleron converted a free kick in the 39th minute, giving Whittlesea a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
Mill Park’s resilience shone through in the second half as Yanni Barberoglou leveled the match again with a remarkable goal in the 56th minute. As the clock wound down, Mill Park captain Aleksandar Pavasovic narrowly missed a chance to secure the win when his header struck the crossbar.
In a heart-stopping moment, Barberoglou scored just nine seconds into injury time, putting Mill Park back in front at 3-2. The team held on for five tense minutes to secure the victory and claim their first-ever plate title.
This victory not only highlights Mill Park’s growing prowess in state league football but also sets the stage for their performance in the Dockerty Cup. Fans and players alike are celebrating this historic win, which exemplifies the spirit and excitement of local football.
Stay tuned for further updates on Mill Park’s journey in the Dockerty Cup as they aim for continued success following this exhilarating triumph.
