Canberra FC exacts revenge in stadium opening ‘Croatian Derby’

Report: Tonci PRUSAC

Photos: Jure POLEGUBIC

CANBERRA - Reigning champions Canberra FC exacted some revenge on fellow Croatian backed outfit O'Connor Knights in last Sunday's opening round clash of the ACT Premier League at the newly opened Deakin Stadium.

Canberra FC's spirited 3-1 victory over the Knights came hot on the heels of last week's 2-1 loss to the Knights in the final of the pre-season ACT Federation Cup grand final.

It was a big day for Canberra FC, who unveiled their lavish new stadium to a massive local league crowd in excess of 600 - predominately Croatian - spectators

The day's proceedings commenced with the Under 18s clash between the two Croatian backed clubs at 11am, which saw Canberra FC run out convincing 5-0 winners.

This was followed by the Reserves clash, which resulted in a 1-1 stalemate at the end of the 90 minutes.

Prior to kick-off of the main game, local Canberra Croatian priest blessed the ground in a special pre-match ceremony before the two teams took to the pitch.

In the end, three second half goals by Paul Ivanic (2) and Adam Spaleta helped etch the 3-1 victory for Canberra FC and launched the celebrated club's 50th anniversary celebrations in grand style.

The only goal for the O'Connor Knights was scored by their prolific goal scorer and captain Goran Veljanovski.

The major opening ceremony, which will include special guests, a series of exhibition games and possibly a gala ball will be held later in the year, possibly in September or October.

In the meantime, this weekend's second round of matches in the ACT Premier League will include a clash between the O'Connor Knights and Queanbeyan City at O'Connor's ground on the Saturday afternoon, while on Sunday, Canberra FC will travel to Kambah Oval where it will come up against Tuggeranong United.