Canberra, Australia - My second game in the Australian Capital Territory. Another beautiful autumn day with a bright blue sky and sunshine. Both clubs compete in the National Premier League (NPL) Men's competition. It is the top division of men's football in the ACT and surrounding regions. This game was round three of the 2024 season. O'Connor (the Knights bit comes from their Croatian community roots) are defending champions. Their playing shirt resembles the Croatian national team shirt - red and white squares. Tuggeranong have not had a good start to the season. HNK O'Connor Knights (to give them their full name, although they don't use the HNK which stands for "Hrvatski nogometni klub") were formed in 1997 by the North Canberra Croatian community. Tuggeranong United’s origins date back to 1976 and are the result of two clubs, Kambah United and Tuggeranong (formerly Wanniassa), merging in 1986.
Tuggeranong took a first half lead in the 25th minute when Oktyabri headed in strongly from a corner. O'Connor looked lost in the second half as Tuggeranong had the better of the play until the 67th minute when Adams converted a controversial penalty. The game looked like it was heading towards a draw, when, in the 89th minute, Perinovic scrambled the ball in despite the protests of the Tuggeranong defence who claimed a foul on their goalie. Where's VAR when you think you need it?
A draw would have been a fair result. Tuggeranong, despite the result, will have taken many positives from their performance. O'Connor will have work to do to retain their title. Luka Modric would be a good signing.
Entry was free. There was no programme. The playing pitch was in very good condition. The attendance was about 150-200. (20th April, 2024).
If their was any doubt about the origins of O'Connor Knights, the red and white squares
of the goal nets were a clear pointer towards the Adriatic.
Here is a future Matilda and The Terrors latest supporter Down Under. AD is just 11 years old
but is a regular for Tuggeranong United's under 14s girls team. A credit to her club,
The Terrors look forward to welcoming her to Imperial Fields in the future!
The Tuggeranong United bench was a step above just a few stackable chairs.
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