Hakoah Shoot for Westfield FFA Cup Success
With the historic first round of the Westfield FFA Cup finally upon us, it’s only fitting that former powerhouse of Australian Football Hakoah Sydney City East FC find themselves back on the big stage.
A round 32 clash for underdogs Hakoah against the impressive Queensland Premier League outfit Palm Beach Sharks has all the ingredients for a potential Cup fairytale.
As one of the oldest football clubs in Australia, Hakoah’s rich football history includes much success and numerous titles in the old National Soccer League, and after several years battling in the lower leagues of Football NSW, Hakoah will once again compete at the highest level of Australian football.
After defeating Dunbar Rovers, Sydney University and Granville Rage, Hakoah’s dream run in the 2014 Waratah Cup saw them eventually fall to SUPA IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 outfit Blacktown City. But the Eastern Suburbs based side managed to qualify for the FFA Cup via the playoff round, where they dispatched of SUPA IGA NPL NSW Mens 2 outfit Northern Tigers 5-1.
Despite being ranked outsiders in the competition, former Socceroo and first grade coach Mark Robertson has assembled a formidable squad this year, currently sitting on top of the Men’s State League Division 1 and boasting both the best attack and defence in the league.
“We have a terrific squad who are very humble about the fact that we are perceived to be one of the top 32 teams in the country to play in the FFA Cup. We have more than enough experience in the playing squad and coaching staff to understand that our job is only a fraction done at this moment in time, and we would like to continue our run game by game”.
The side is led by inspirational skipper and midfielder Neil Jablonski, who has experience in the Scottish Premier League as well as a NSW Premier League title to his name, and who is a central figure to Hakoah’s possession based game. Leading the line upfront is former A-league star and English League journeyman Lloyd Owusu. The striker has been in fine form this year with 12 goals to his name so far this season, and his experience will be invaluable for this Cup tie.
Throw into the mix exciting talents such as keeper Terry Del Broi and midfielder Jordan Mundell and it’s easy to see why this squad has created a positive vibe for the club and why so many people in the football community are excited about this upcoming fixture.
Despite the strength in his team, Coach Robertson is mindful of the quality opposition, “We’re happy with the draw but always knew it would be difficult, they are a quality side and I have huge respect for the Palm Beach Club as well as the Queensland Premier League”.
For their part, Palm Beach Sharks come into the FFA Cup fixture with full intentions of making the most of this historic opportunity. The Gold Coast based side has proud a football history of their own and is one of the largest and most successful sports clubs on the Gold Coast.
The Sharks pride themselves on producing young talent, and some of the famous names that have come though the club include Socceroo’s Tommy Oar, Mitch Nichols and Brisbane Roar captain Matt Smith.
Palm Beach booked their ticket to the prestigious tournament via the FQ Cup 2014, beating Murwillumbah and South West Queensland Thunder in the fourth and fifth round respectively, before a 1-0 victory over Caloundra in the 6th round secured their passage to the round of 32 FA Cup.
First grade coach Grae Piddick knows too well the significance of the occasion at hand, “As a club we are really happy and excited to be involved with the FFA Cup. We’ve done our research on our opposition and are aware of Hakoah’s rich history in the game, as well as all the big names associated with Australian football that have been involved with their club”.
The Sharks are in red hot form and sit on top of the Queensland Premier League ladder, boasting a squad filled with exciting youngsters as well plenty of experience.
Coach Piddick knows the strength of this mix, “We’ve got a talented young squad with some experienced guys to guide them around the park. It’ll definitely be a big game for the boys”.
Players to look out for include Captain Justyn McKay, who is no stranger to Cup action after spending numerous seasons at English side Swindon Town FC. The defence is marshalled by former Hyundai A-League player Kristian Rees, with the former Adelaide United star a key component of the Palm Beach backline that boasts the best defence in the Queensland Premier League. And with Rees a former teammate of Hakoah striker Lloyd Owusu during their Adelaide United days, expect some friendly fire between the pair.
The man to watch upfront for the Sharks is Chris Lucas, who has been in scintillating league form this year and is the current top goal scorer of the Queensland Premier League.
While the A-league clubs will be favorites as the competition gets underway, the magic of Cup football ensures that nothing is guaranteed. And with this fixture sure to be one of the more anticipated clashes, there is no doubt that both clubs will hope this will be the beginning of a football fairytale.
Hakoah Sydney City East FC v Palm Beach Sharks
Tuesday 19th August 2014
7.30 PM – Hensley Athletic Field, Sydney
Hakoah Sydney City v Palm Beach Sharks
Hensley Athletic Field, Pagewood (NSW)
Kick-off: 7.30pm local (7:30pm AEST)
Referee: Matthew Cropper
Assistant Referee 1: Mitchell Clark
Assistant Referee 2: Nick Backo
Fourth Official: Chris Young
Coverage details: Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #HAKvPBS
Tickets will be available to purchase at the venue
Hakoah Sydney City squad: 2.Remy WOLANSKI, 3.Robert EZEKIEL, 4.Bradley WALKER, 6.Nathan KOSMINA, 7.Daan RANSHUIJSEN, 8.Jordan MUNDELL, 9.Lloyd OWUSU, 10.Deklan GILMARTIN, 11.Neil JABLONSKI, 12.Justin KOSMINA, 14.Gavin MACPHERSON, 15.Michael KATZ, 16.Mark McALPINE, 17.Joseph DINGWALL, 19.Jarrod BASGER, 20.Gavin RAE, 25.Max NIGHTINGALE (GK), 30.David ADAMO, 33.Kevin LOPES, 36.Jeremy HORNIBLOW, 38.Dylan BASGER, 39.Michael RANDALL, 45.Daniel CONWAY (GK)
Palm Beach Sharks squad: 1.Shane VITAKANGAS (GK), 2.Riley DILLON, 3.Jordan MASON, 4.Ethan GRIMLEY, 5.Ben BUTLER, 6.Julian MATTHEWS, 7.Justyn McKAY, 8.Mitchell ROBINSON, 9.Christopher LUCAS, 10.Scot GOLDSMITH-SCOTT, 11.Nikola MIRKOVIC, 12.Daniel GRZIC, 13.Newie COBBO, 14.Jonathon CAMILLERI, 15.Eoghan MURPHY, 16.Jack BOXELL, 17.Kristian REES, 18.Troy RUTHVEN, 19.Daniel DRAGICEVIC, 20.Jack LITTLEJOHN (GK), 28.Karl DODD.
– By Diego Munoz
