The Dream Lives On For Some In the FFA Cup

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The FFA Cup Round of 32 fixtures promised some fantastic football, with four NPL NSW teams taking to the pitch on a cold winter’s night both here in NSW and in Victoria.

 

Avondale 84 FC 4 v Marconi Stallions FC 1 – ABD Stadium, Victoria

The Marconi Stallions would be the first team to enter into battle, facing against their fellow country men abroad in Avondale 84 FC.

A highly decorated fixture with two clubs holding so much history within their respective leagues, football fans alike would be in for a treat.

The scoring opened up early for the home side through Kaine Sheppard, seeing Avondale take the lead after just two minutes of play.

However, Marconi didn’t come this far just to submit so easily. Minutes later the Stallions would respond. James Andrews beating one, then two, before his dazzling footwork would see him find the back of the net.

Five minutes of play and two goals, things looked promising.

The second half still allowed the Stallions a fighting chance to advance, although Avondale had other ideas.

A flourish of goals from the home side from Katebian and Boland made it hard for the Stallions to rectify the situation, with their advancing chances diminishing as Avondale put the nail in the coffin in the 86th minute.

The Marconi Stallions going down to Avondale 84 FC, 4 – 1.

 

Port Melbourne Sharks 0 v APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC 1 – JL Murphy Reserve, Victoria

APIA, well they’ve been here before. A few times in fact, but this time it was different.

The current NPL NSW leaders, Waratah Cup Champions, to say there wasn’t some form of expectation was an understatement.

Chances came and went for both sides, although it would be in extra time APIA would be finally able to advance themselves.

The ever so reliable Tasukuk Sekiya would be the one to finally break the deadlock, scoring before the half-time whistle.

The lonesome goal would be enough to send the Leichhardt boys into the next stage of the FFA Cup, defeating the Port Melbourne Sharks 1 – 0.

 

Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC 2 v Hakoah Sydney City East FC 1 – Bonnyrigg Sports Club

It has been a long and hard season for the White Eagles, but it’s moments like the FFA Cup where teams are really able to find their shine.

NPL rivals met on the pitch for the third time this season, but it would be the home side who would reign victorious, in a high intensity game of football.

Bonnyrigg were able to strike first through Aaron Avery, and finish the half with the narrowest of leads.

Although it would be Asmir Kadic’s goal which would be on highlights reels for FFA Cup promos to come, click here to view the goal.

Hakoah were able to put points on the board before the final siren, as Mitch Stamatellis converted a penalty chance, however it wasn’t enough to deter the White Eagles from advancing to the Round of 16.

The Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC defeating the Hakoah Sydney City Eact FC 2 – 1.

 

Football NSW would like to congratulate APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC and the Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC on advancing to the Round of 16, and also commend the Marconi Stallions FC and Hakoah Sydney City East FC on making it to the Round of 32.