Cairncross ready for MetroStars clash
Blacktown City FC’s Westfield FFA Cup run in 2014 ended in the Round of 32 with a disappointing defeat at home to Victorian PS4 NPL 1 side Bentleigh Greens.
The Greens went on to reach the Semi-Final in the inaugural season of the Cup as the City players watched on in what could have been.
It was disappointing for Blacktown captain Zach Cairncross as he felt his side deserved more.
“It was an eye opening experience for myself and my teammates.
“We played very well that night but unfortunately didn’t achieve the goal we were aiming for.”
Captain Cairncross and his boys have the opportunity to redeem themselves in 2015, hosting PS4 NPL South Australian side MetroStars at Lilys Football Centre.
The South Australian side are currently the PS4 National Premier League Champions, having defeated the Bonnyrigg White Eagles last season 1-0 at Lambert Park. This victory was their ticket for a place in the current Westfield FFA Cup draw.
With former Hyundai A-League star Fabian Barbiero anchoring and commanding midfield, it will be far from a walk in the park for the Blacktown boys.
The side is coached by former player and young Socceroo Michael Pirone, who is spending his first season as coach of the first team.
The MetroStars are currently sitting mid-table in the South Australian top tier competition but that doesn’t have Cairncross fazed about their opponents.
“We’re aware it’s going to be a tough game even though we don’t know too much about them.”
The City centre back and his teammates have set a goal of reaching the next phase of the competition and then hoping for a good draw.
“Hopefully we can go one better this year and make it to the Round of 16.
“I think the next round is definitely somewhere that we should be and then it all depends on who we draw.”
The importance of Blacktown progressing further is imperative for the club and the former Central Coast Mariner is aware of the positives that can come from that.
“It will give the club a further platform to build from and potentially playing against the likes of Melbourne Victory or Sydney FC would be huge for the club.”
Blacktown City will be the first of the New South Wales teams to do battle in the Westfield FFA Cup with their match scheduled for Wednesday 29th of July at Lilys Football Centre with kick off at 7:30pm.
-By Nikola Pozder
