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DOUBLE CUP CHAMPIONS |
Despite the imminence of relegation back to Division one next season, Janes Addiction crowned off their season in glory last Saturday, after winning back to back Cup Finals in the Official Ladies League.
After an enthralling 120 minute battle with fellow Premier opponents Triestina (who were also confirmed as relegated), the match went into a penalty shootout.
"I hate those at the best of times, whether it be in real life or here on Xpert," said the Addicts boss LFC73.
"The match itself was a totally nerve wracking affair, and when we finally scored in the 82nd minute, I thought the glory was surely going to be ours! But sadly that was short lived as they snuck in from a corner just 3 minutes later.
"At that moment a cold harsh reality set in that this was not going to be our day - despite all our best efforts, domination and chances we created. Their goalkeeper (Daliborka Krupnikovic) was in incredible form, and I had this sinking feeling that she was going to be a shootout hero if it went that far.
"Despite more ET efforts, we just couldn't crack them - or her in particular - so it was down to the shootout.
"I tried to pump my girls up for all they were worth, and told them to put the disappointing season we'd endured at the top level behind them - after all our hard work to get there - and put every ounce of pride and effort into taking this thing out - FOR A SECOND TIME!
"Neck and neck it went, with mounting pressure amongst us all, until their third attempt, and our very own Charlotta Ekstromer rose to the occasion and blocked the shot! She's not labelled as the best in the entire League for nothing!
"That was the moment, and two more successful attempts saw us raise the Cup yet again - two seasons in a row! To say I'm pleased is an understatement. I'm totally chuffed, and over the moon for my girls who have been through a long and very hard road to gain these successes.
"Admittedly we had relaxed off in the League and threw everything we had into mounting another serious Cup challenge. I saw the writing on the wall around the halfway mark of the season, and after much contemplation bought in some fill in players to protect the more senior ones for Cup duty. And it paid off in spades! Sometimes you just gotta take a little bad to get the good, and the fact is no one can take these accolades away from us!
"Life will change for many after this season, but those winning moments at the Xpert Final Arena will be with us forever!"
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