FFA Cup Round 7 Update: APIA and Blacktown City book Round of 32 Tickets
APIA Leichhardt FC and Blacktown City FC have joined the Wollongong Wolves as Football NSW representatives at this year’s FFA Cup Round of 32 after winning their respective matches on Wednesday evening.
It was a nervy affair at Lambert Park as the match between APIA and Hakoah FC ended scoreless at the break with the second half bringing in all the action. The NPL 2 NSW Men’s side were dealt a huge blow as Mitchell Knight was given his marching orders in the 68th minute.
That paved the way for Corey Biczo to score the opening goal in the 78th minute as the hosts believed they were home and hosed.
That was until Marco Arambasic, son of former legendary NSL striker Zlatko, banged in an important equaliser in the 89th minute that brought the scores level as Luka Hrzina’s men gave it their all. It was game on once more as the young gun’s late goal forced the game into extra-time.
Paul Dee’s men had more energy in the tank however with the extra man advantage as Blake Powell scored APIA’s second in the 94th minute thanks to an expert Michael Kouta pass that sent the home fans into raptures. Hakoah then went down to nine-men as James Baldacchino was given a straight red making the task for Hrzina’s men even tougher.
Tynan Diaz then wrapped things up with a belter and it was Game, Set and match in the 118th minute as they booked their ticket to the Round of 32 for the third time in the Cup’s history with a 3-1 win.
While at Lily Homes Stadium in what was a hard-fought affair between Blacktown City v Marconi, it was a Carlos De Oliveira strike in the 55th minute which all but separated both teams that put Mark Crittenden’s side into the national round of 32 for the fifth time in the Cup’s history.
FFA Cup Round 7 Results
APIA Leichhardt 3 v Hakoah FC 1 (1-1 F/T)
Blacktown City 1 v Marconi Stallions 0
Remaining FFA Cup Round 7 Fixtures
Wednesday 16th June
Mt Druitt Town Rangers (NPL 1) v Rockdale Ilinden (NPL 1) – Popondetta Park – 7:30pm
Manly United (NPL 1) v Sydney Olympic (NPL 1) – Cromer Park – 7:30pm
*The LIVE FFA CUP Round of 32 draw will take place on Wednesday July 7th