The Hawks downed United 1-0 in a frantic reserve grade final at Equex Centre on the weekend.

A 70th minute spot kick was ultimately all that separated the two sides, when man of the match Matt Cain made a stunning run down the middle before being brought down in the box by Leeton’s Dominico Puntoriero.

Geoffrey Euhus was the man to step up to the spot and calmly slot the penalty. 

Leeton United coach Joe Trifogli was disappointed to come away with the loss, but was proud of his players. 

“The first half wasn’t really our best, but I thought in the second half we really stepped it up,” he said. 

“We just couldn’t capitalise on our chances. 

“We were taking a lot of shots, but it just wasn’t happening for us.”

Henwood were on top early on, their play highlighted by livewire Cain playing a pair of through balls – each as delightful as they were menacing – to brother Daniel, who was subsequently unable to get a clean shot away.

Euhus struck from the spot minutes later to restore order and Leeton responded by pushing players forward in a major way. 

The final 15 minutes of the contest largely consisted of United firing endless shots at goal, as the Hawks defended with their lives to hold onto the title. 

Not helping Leeton United’s cause was when veteran player Frank Alampi had to be stretchered from the ground after suffering an ankle injury. 

“That was a bit of a blow to us, but we made some changes and we were able to work around … we just didn’t get the result we wanted,” Trifogli said. 

“We’re disappointed, but I’m still very proud of the boys. They gave it everything they had, especially in that second half.”

Trifogli said Daniel Alampi, Tory Amato, Jake Shelton played well, while Frank Millemaggi as captain led from the front. 

Trifogli also thanked his assistant coach Scott Munro for all his work throughout the season and the playing group as a whole.