Stirling Lions take out Soccer Pools Cup Final in WA

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Mike Lyons has the unbelievable ability to mould boys into men, according to Don Evans, president of the Stirling Lions Soccer Club.

Speaking after the young Stirling Lions defeated Swan IC in a penalty shoot-out to clinch the Soccer Pools Cup final at Members Equity Stadium on Saturday, Evans praised Lyons’ moulding of the team into a premiership winner.

The Stirling team fielded four 17-year-olds.

After being level at 3-3 after 90 minutes and 4-4 after extra time, the Stirling trio of Kevin Henderson, Andy Brown and Phil Arnold slotted the ball into the net in the penalty shoot-out. The three Swan players missed their attempts.

“This is Mike’s second year as coach and he has been very impressive, particularly with the young players,â€￾ Evans said.

“Our win was due to great tactical moves by Mike and our assistant coach Paul Simmons.â€￾

In the last 15 minutes, Lyons, following the suggestion by Simmons, moved Jordan Rhodes from his unaccustomed forward position to midfield.

Seventeen-year-old super-sub Arnold took his position as striker and, in the final seconds of extra time, levelled the scores.

It has been nine years since Stirling last won the title.

“This was a tremendous result for us,â€￾ said Evans, club coach for the last seven years.

“If we can keep the boys together, we can look forward to more successes in the next five years.

“With Mike as coach, our reserves team also finished in the top four and our youth team has considerable promise.â€￾

Arnold won the most valuable player award after his spectacular performance.

He was a prominent player earlier this year before trying out with three clubs in the UK.

After missing half the season, he returned to Perth a month ago and played reserves until being selected to start off the bench on Saturday.

David Marsh of the West Australian.