THE amazing FFA Cup run for the Shoalhaven United Bears is over, after losing their round four clash against the North West Sydney Spirit FC.
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Despite the match being played at South Nowra's Ison Park, the visitors scored five first half goals before adding six more in the second 45 minutes, to run out winners 11-nil.
"They were a class outfit and controlled the ball for large portions of the game but full credit to our boys, they never gave up," coach Trevor Skingle said.
"It's a shame the scoreline blew out a little, with them scoring six goals in the final 13 minutes, as we just ran out of legs.
"I don't think that was a true indication of the match and their coach agreed, praising the efforts of my boys - they should be all really proud of themselves."
Upon reflecting on their FFA Cup run, Skingle is proud of each and every one of the 18 players he used during the campaign.
"There's plenty of positives to take from this run, which I'm sure will translate into our Shoalhaven season," he said.
"In my opinion, it was great for the boys to come up against a clinical side like the Spirit, so they can see first-hand ways in which they can improve their own games - the boys were even discussing aspects of the match in the change rooms after.
"From my perspective, it was really special to be a part of this run and everyone is determined to try and go even further next year."
The Bears, who had the bye in round one of the Blackmore Bolden Shield, will now shift their attention to their season opener against Shoalhaven Heads-Berry at Zealand Oval on Saturday.
"The boys are really pumped to get the season started, after having the weekend off," Skingle said.
"Every member of our first grade squad is starting to fire, which is a great sign this early in the piece.
"I'm sure this FFA Cup run will bode well for us in 2021 and we hope to kick-off on a positive note against the Heads on Saturday."
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