Will the fairy-tale Australia Cup journey continue for Wollongong United?
They’ve been the talk of the prestigious Australia Cup competition already, Illawarra Premier League side Wollongong United will take centre stage as they hope to knock-off NPL Victorian outfit Green Gully SC in their round of 32 clash at Ian McLennan Park on Wednesday 27th of July.
A former NSL club that took part in the then top tier Australian football competition in 1990, the club has had its fair share of success in the past with some notable players coming through the ranks.
The likes of Mile Sterjovski, Marshall Soper, Stephen Laybutt, Scott Chipperfield, Michael Reda, Zlatko Nastevski, Greg Brown, Alvin Ceccoli and Nathan Elasi have all donned the Wollongong United kit during their playing careers.
Enter 2022 and United are going through a new era led by former player and promising up and coming 29-year-old coach Bill Tsovolos.
One player that cannot wait to play under the spotlights of the Australia Cup is club captain Danny Lazarevski.
The 27-year-old was eagerly anticipating this clash that has been labelled as one of the most important matches in the club’s history.
“The Australia Cup means a lot to the club. It gives us a huge opportunity to put our club name out there amongst the rest of the of the best.
“It also gives us a chance to take on teams that are in higher divisions whether it be the NPL or State Leagues from across the nation and it’s a challenge we as a playing group cannot wait to take place.”
The task won’t be easy for the Football South Coast side though as they take on a hungry Green Gully SC outfit hailing from the top tier NPL in Victoria.
“Green Gully is a very strong NPL Victorian side, and they have been for many years.
“We know they’re a solid side and we will be in for a tough game, but we will let the trusty coaching staff do their homework in giving us a plan to execute on the night.”
Coached by Steven Downes, Lazarevski and his troops will be weary of the likes of Mamadi Kamara, Luc Jeggo, Liam Driscoll, James Doyle, Joshua Hope and the club’s Argentine star attacker Nahuel Bonada.
Lazarevski however is hoping that the club’s passionate and loyal fans along with the Football South Coast community will make the noise needed in hindering Gully’s chances of progressing to the Round of 16.
“It’s no secret that we do have a very strong loyal fan base so we know that they will be out there to support us as we need every bit of their support if we have any chance of getting through to the round of 16.
“We also hope that everyone from the Football South Coast community will get behind us in supporting us in one of our biggest nights in the history of our club.”
This will be Wollongong United’s first ever venture in the Round of 32, the question is, will their journey continue beyond that?
All will be revealed on Wednesday 27th of July.
Australia Cup Round of 32 Match Details
Wednesday 27th of July
Wollongong United v Green Gully SC
Ian McLennan Park
You can purchase tickets by clicking here
*All Australia Cup 2022 Final Rounds matches will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on 10 Play, with thanks to Football Australia’s Broadcast Partner, Network 10
