One of the formidable ‘Rocks’ of Eastern’s tough defence is Calum Hall. The marauding right-back is known for his surging runs up and down the flank. Hall’s hard work and persistence this season has paid off with Eastern on the verge of a cup double.
After winning the Senior Shield earlier this season, Eastern will now fight it out with Rangers for the HK FA Cup this coming May 31st at Mong Kok stadium.
Hall stressed the importance of the upcoming cup final and how it would cap off a very competitive season.
“Yes of course it’s a huge game and occasion for us! To already win the Senior Shield this year was a great achievement after our unfortunate loss to Kitchee last year but the prospect of winning the FA cup of course would be really special.
After our FA cup win last year I don’t think many of us expected the outcome we had from winning it.”
Eastern were not only competing for the league and domestic cups but also undertaking continental football via the Asian Champions league group stages which always allows HK football to see how it can match up with Asia’s best.
The FA Cup final marks the end of a very long season and a win, of course, would be a perfect ending.
“Eastern also competed in the automatic Asian Champions League group stages and it is not until now, we realise how special it is to experience these types of games and how valuable they are, not just for us as players but for Hong Kong football too. If we can manage to win the FA cup again it would be huge for us!”
Hall stressed that as the season unfolded then the FA Cup final became the main target.
“Since the semi-final that went to extra-time against Tai Po, the FA cup final has been more or less our main focus after it became difficult to win the league now. It’s been a successful season so far with our Asian Champions League journey, the Senior Shield win and going to pretty much the last day in the title race. But of course the FA cup is the one we really want!”
Eastern have always been one of the grand ‘old’ clubs of HK football and Hall hinted at the elite winning mentality that manifests itself in the trophies that the club has recently won.
“I think it’s more a case of whatever game that gets put in front of us we try and do nothing but win regardless if it’s a league or Sapling cup. The goal and aim is always the same, win!
I think that mentality throughout the group has gotten us to where we are respectively in the league campaign and recent cup competitions.”
Hall has not been in Hong Kong for long though his adding yet another FA cup win to his name would no doubt further cement his reputation as one of the rising stars of HK football.
