Northbridge FC eyeing history with Australia Cup journey
It’s been an emotional but entertaining journey thus far for Northern Suburbs Football Association side Northbridge FC who are now one victory away from clinching a coveted Australia Cup Round of 32 spot.
The club’s Australia Cup journey kicked off on the 23rd of March when the defeated Sutherland Shire FA side Cronulla Seagulls 5-3 before going on to beat Central Coast Football’s Wyoming FC 2-0.
Round 5 saw the Northbridge FC boys knock-off Football NSW League One outfit Dunbar Rovers 1-0 then Round 6 another League One side, Mounties Wanderers, felt the wrath of the boys from the North Shore as they recorded a memorable 3-0 victory.
Following Football NSW’s recent Round 7 draw, the 2023 ‘Cup giantkillers’ will now face a different beast with National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side Mt Druitt Town Rangers standing in their way of a historic round of 32 spot where they could face A-League opposition.
“I think the Australia Cup has been excellent for the boys,” said Northbridge FC’s ace striker and former NPL NSW Men’s player Nathan Separovic.
“Not only from the results and success so far, but the energy it’s brought to everyone involved.
“The playing group and staff know this is a special group, and it’s been a great opportunity for us to showcase that in the Cup.
“We know the Cup is a good opportunity for us to put the club in the spotlight.
“With several boys having played at higher levels, we’re not short of quality.
“Having beaten a few Football NSW League One teams to get to where we are today, I think it’s fair to say we haven’t been taken lightly and we’re a well-respected outfit.
“The recent results just emphasise our belief as a group and we just want to keep winning and most importantly, enjoying these moments.”
At 25, Separovic played for the likes of Manly United, Blacktown Spartans and the Northbridge Bulls before signing for Northbridge FC this year.
He isn’t the only player that has played at the highest levels in NSW.
“With a few boys coming from the NPL NSW Men’s and Leagues competitions, myself, Emilio Manos, Hugo Forlico, Zach Forsyth, Shane Murray, Charlie Knight and Ryan Johnston just to name a few, the squad definitely isn’t short of fire power.
“Even at an association level, training standards are always high, and the boys are always challenging for starting spots.
“I think people are aware of our quality, and I know we won’t be underestimated as one of the only association teams left in the cup.”
The club has also benefited from having two quality coaches in Ricky Woodward and Jay Wynter.
“Ricky (who also has come from an NPL NSW Men’s background) as well Jay (Wynter) have been at the wheel and the driving force behind the group’s success.
“They have not only brought knowledge and experience to the group, but the culture and standards they’ve set which is the number one reason of how tight knit this group really is.
“The ideas they’ve set and the way they’ve presented them, they’ve really got the buy in from the playing group and it’s shown.”
Currently playing in one of the strongest local association All Age Men’s competitions in NSW, Northbridge FC will be making the trek to Popondetta Park to face the Mt Druitt Town Rangers in a match that will ultimately determine whether this local side will win the right to compete against some of the best A-League and NPL clubs in Australia.
“All eyes are on the next fixture against Mt Druitt.
“We had the whole squad on a zoom call watching the official draw together.
“A win here would be massive not only for the playing group, but also for the club.
“The majority of us boys have been playing together for several years and to have this Cup run potentially furthered, couldn’t be done with a more special group of boys.
“Mt Druitt are an excellent outfit and definitely won’t be taken lightly, but even as a squad that trains once a week, we fancy our chances and know the ability our group can deliver. Not saying we’re looking at domestic flights just yet, but everyone’s got their annual leave ready to go.
“I know it may be a bit difficult to get as many of our supporters as we can out to Popondetta Park midweek, but we’d appreciate all of the support. I know the peanut gallery will be out in full force with the Northbridge scarves flying.
“Everyone involved is looking forward to the night, and should be a top fixture.”
The dates and times will be confirmed in coming days but the match will be shown live and exclusive on NPL.TV.
