Coming of an 8-1 win over Casuarina, Olympic were riding high on excitement leading into the 2nd Greek Derby match of 2010.  Stories of games in years gone by were retold with passion and emotion, building the importance of what this game means to Olympic and Hellenic. Definitely a build up that respected the rivalry between the clubs.

 

Starting the match, Olympic dominated possession only to be upset by a run against play that saw Pedro Stefindakiss volley home a through ball from the Hellenic backline.  Hellenic 1, Olympic 0. This was the kind of play Darwin's greatest coach Steve Lolias warned of and knew Hellenic were capable of.

 

To Olympics’ credit, they continued to show composure, discipline and hard work on and off the ball after the restart. This was finally rewarded with Stuart Dunning calmly putting away a goal off a Matty Hadjic free kick to level the scores. It wasn’t too long before Olympic seized another attacking opportunity with Mitch Amidy freely popping up at the back stick to head home Olympics’ second goal. Olympics dominating play and 2-1 lead played out the 1st half.

 

Both teams returned to the field yearning victory. But it was Olympic who showed they wanted it more. Playing the ball well through the back and building attacking plays that eventually saw Michael Tsounias run at pace onto a through ball, maintain control and calmly put the ball passed the Hellenic goal keeper twice. Both goals celebrated jubilantly and to the anticipation of all the single girls in the crowd hoping to catch one of Michael’s signature crowd blown kisses!

 

Not content to sit back and see the game out Olympic continued to apply pressure winning the ball back from the restart, offer quick attacking passes to a well positioned Matty Byrd who nailed home Olympics fifth and final goal. All players put in great games for a deserved win.

 

The game was joyously celebrated in the Olympic change room with players, coaches, friends and family proudly singing the victory song

OLYMPIC SIMAINI THINAMI!!

OLYMPIC SIMAINI THINAMI!!

OLYMPIC SIMAINI THINAMI!!

A very special mention to team Manager Coco and his beautiful wife Maria who celebrated their wedding anniversary on the night too!