Old and new meet in Century 21 Soccer Cup battle

John Didulica
08Feb08
Courtesy: http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/


THE old and the new do battle on day one of the Century 21 Cup tonight from 6 o'clock at the Bell Park Sports Centre.

Traditional powerhouse, the North Geelong Warriors starts its defence of the trophy against relative newcomer the Breakwater Eagles, who _ as Geelong Regional Football Association champion _ will represent the amateur competition.

In the later match, foundation member Corio welcomes Century 21 Cup debutant Surf Coast Soccer Club to top flight local football.

The Warriors are likely to field a team brimming with youth to take on the Eagles, who will be relying on their ageing, but enduringly prolific, strike force of Mark Linney and Charlie Fitzpatrick.

In a delightful demonstration of the role that the Cup plays in the local fabric, Breakwater will be looking to striker Linney for a winning touch but he is likely to find resistance in the form of the sons of many he started his career playing alongside.

Shaping up as the player to watch during the tournament, Warriors striker Daniel Dragicevic has spent much of the pre-season at the Melbourne Knights, adding considerable muscle.
All eyes will be on the eagerly anticipated debut of the Surf Coast, its appearance an endorsement of the game's growth outside its historic strongholds.


DRAW
Day 1: Group A: Tonight 6pm: North Geelong Warriors v Breakwater Eagles. Addy Prediction: Warriors 2-0.

Group B: Tonight 7.10pm: Corio v Surf Coast. Addy Prediction: 2-2.

Day 2: Group B: Sunday 6pm: Geelong Rangers v Bell Park. Addy Prediction: Rangers 2-1.

Group A: Sunday 7.10pm: Hoppers Crossing v Geelong. Addy Prediction: Geelong 3-0.