In chilly conditions under lights on Saturday evening, Gisborne-Kyneton United claimed a hard-fought win over the Sunbury Lions in their annual Pride Cup match.
The contest, a key feature of Pride Round, was played in good spirits and celebrated diversity and inclusion in community football. The Lions brought hard, physical football to the contest, but it was United’s persistence and composure that saw them grind out the victory by the final siren.
The night held extra significance as it marked the 100th game for Gisborne FNC stalwart Stephanie Brancatisano. Brancatisano also hit the scoreboard, one of seven goal kickers in the match for the home side. GKU’s backline held tight against a fierce Sunbury Lions, who had plenty of forward 50 entries, but weren’t able to convert with experienced United defenders, Lenius, White, Peterson and Sinclair working well in the backline all game.
In midfield, Macumber, Ainslie and Nicholson led from the front with relentless work around the stoppages, Ainslie kicking a ripper goal from deep in the pocked in the second quarter. First-year player Gajic also had one of her best games to date with plenty of run through the back half.
Though Sunbury pressed hard and contested fiercely throughout, United’s depth and determination proved decisive as they held strong late to secure the win.
GKU 10-9-69 def Sunbury Lions 1-1-7.
GKU takes on Taylors Lakes in a top-of-the-ladder rematch next Saturday at Lionhart Reserve at 11.50am.
