Flanagan's and Robin Hood face-off in Corona decider

Two teams. One Match. The whole season at stake.

Organisers of the Corona League couldn’t have wished for a better climax to their season than the one that kicks off at 8:30pm on BAA field tonight.

League leaders Flanagan’s take on second place Robin Hood knowing a draw will be good
enough to get their hands on the trophy when the presentation is made post-match.

Hood, though, can spoil the party with victory, a scenario that would hand them the championship on goal difference.

Flanagan’s coach Augusto Arrarte heads back to Canada permanently next week after eight years on the island and, naturally, is eying the perfect send-off.

He said: “For competitive footballers, these are the games you want to play in. I hear there’s been a lot of Facebook posting and things on social media. There’s a nice little rivalry there — the game will be great for the supporters.”

He added: “It would be a great win as a coach but it’s down to the players, it’s more them.

“The pitch is great, the bar up top and the bar in the shack, everything makes for a wonderful atmosphere. The players will hopefully be up for it and it’ll be something we can talk about in 20 years when we’re getting old and grey.

“There’s lot of familiarity. I know a lot of their guys but when you pull on a different coloured shirt it tends to get competitive.”

Hood coach Derek Stapley admitted Flanagan’s start as favourites but said his team will be doing everything they can to produce a memorable last-day turnaround.

“We are expecting a big crowd at BAA field,” he said. “Flanagan’s are a very strong, fit and organised side and we know we will have our work cut out over 90 minutes. 

“They have been prolific goalscorers throughout the year while maintaining a good defensive record as well. 

“They also beat us 5-3 earlier in the season so given they only need a point from the game I imagine they are coming into this match as favourites.  We will do our best to try to upset the bookies.”

‘Best season yet’

He added: “It has been another great season in Corona, I think the best yet,  and all credit goes to President Mike McGrath and his Corona management volunteers for the incredible amount of time they spend to make sure things run smoothly.

“We have also benefited from having a great bunch of officials, who turn up in all weather to officiate our matches and without them the league would not be where it is today. 

“Last but certainly not least is to recognise and thank our lead sponsor Gosling’s for their continuing support.”

While one team will be drinking the Champagne and the other drowning their sorrows, league president McGrath believes whatever the outcome, the league is benefiting from increased competition.

He said: “It is great to keep the interest alive in the league right through the season and it has been building over the last month with everyone talking about all the different permutations of the results.

“It’s amazing that the title race is still so tight after a whole season but it has been a great season right through the table.

“The league has definitely grown in popularity since its creation four years ago and that has been hand in hand with the increase in competitiveness that we have witnessed.

“There aren’t many easy games anymore and that’s great for the spectators who come out every weekend to watch not just their team but the league.”

He added: “I imagine that BAA will be crowded tonight, which always makes for a good atmosphere and both teams will be filling the bleachers with their fans.

“I’m sure we will witness some friendly banter and singing from the vocal supporters, which will lend itself to this massive game for both teams as they race to get their name on the trophy first.”