Parramatta FC knocked out of Westfield FFA Cup
Victorian outfit St Albans Saints SC secured a valuable 1-0 victory over SUPA IGA NPL NSW Mens 2 outfit and league leaders Parramatta FC at Melita Stadium in Round 32 of the Westfield FFA Cup.
After a tight first half at Melita Stadium, Irishman Barry Devlin opened the scoring for the visitors on 35 minutes with one of the first real chances of the game, his dynamic right-foot shot from outside the area putting St Albans 1-0 up at the break.
The Saints came close to doubling their lead 10 minutes into the second half, when Parramatta goalkeeper Luke Turnbull was called on to deny a Brodie Paterson shot from the edge of the area.
Wand Jajaw had a great chance in the first half but failed to hit the net as his effort was saved by the Saints keeper and pushed out for a corner.
Daniel Rezo threatened for the hosts in the 66th minute, receiving Andre Schroder’s back-heel to test Stuart Webster with another long-range effort. Just four minutes later and Shayne Ardle hit the woodwork, as the Eagles’ second-half pressure began to tell.
With just 12 minutes remaining the onslaught continued, Webster producing an outstanding double save to preserve his team’s lead.
But there was no way through for Parramatta in the time remaining, as the Saints hung on to book their place in the last 16.
It was a disappointing end to Parramatta FC’s Westfield FFA Cup run as young promising midfield star Schroderer stated to Football NSW after the match.
“It was heart breaking as I felt we deserved a goal or two tonight.
“We created enough chances for the win but it wasn’t to be.
“It was the first loss in quite some time for the club and losing at home in front of a fantastic crowd was really tough.”
The 19-year-old, who signed on from Blacktown City FC four weeks ago and recently spent trhee months with South African giants Ajax Cape Town stated that the Saints held their own however and got their result in the end.
“Credit to St Albans Saints, they scored a great goal and battled till the end.
“Travelling from Melbourne midweek is a big ask and they got what they needed which was unfortunate for us.”
Schroderer was now looking forward to the run home to the finals as the team looks to put this match in the past.
“I know the team will move on from this and we will look at finishing on a high in winning as much silverware as possible and hopefully winning promotion into next year’s IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 competition.”
In other matches on the night Adelaide United defeated Wellington Phoenix 1-0 thanks to Sergio Cirio goal in the 31st minute in the all Hyundai A-League battle while it was the Perth Glory who knocked out the Newcastle Jets thanks to a brace from Irishman Andy Keogh.
Finally in Tasmania a big upset was seen as South Hobart were knocked out of the Cup by ACT side Tuggeranong.
The home side took the lead via an own goal by Sean Kiddey before Tuggeranong replied with five minutes remaining via Zach Munster.
A thrilling climax to the additional 30 minutes failed to produce a winner, although there was time for the local live stream commentators to cement their status as instant cult heroes on social media, their description of a yellow card as a ‘slice of cheese’ proving particularly popular with fans tuning in around the country.
The lottery of penalties was a cruel way for an entertaining game, one played in great spirit, to be decided.
Tuggeranong goalkeeper Rohan Shepherd, dominant throughout the 120 minutes for the visitors, proved the hero in the shootout, saving Caleb Ludlow’s spot-kick before Harry Petit sealed it 5-4, firing the underdogs from ACT into the round of 16.
