2024 Australia Cup NSW Preliminary Round 7 Draw Announced
The final stage has been set as Football NSW today announced the 2024 Australia Cup Preliminary Round 7 fixtures with the four winners advancing to the coveted Round of 32 with some cracking matches set to light up the knockout competition.
The Cup story so far has been that of Eastern Suburbs Football Association side Phoenix FC. The proud Irish club is hoping they can do the unthinkable by grabbing a coveted Round of 32 spot.
To do that they need to take care of National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW high-flyers Rockdale Ilinden at the Ilinden Sports Centre.
Ilinden will be hoping to go one better than last year after Paul Dee’s men fell at the last hurdle to Inter Lions, but will be hoping to do what’s required to earn their third ever Round of 32 spot.
The David and Goliath tagline has already been activated for this battle.
Elsewhere and for the second successive year, Inter Lions are hoping to shock the state by defeating experienced NPL Men’s NSW outfit Blacktown City.
Inter, led by coach John Theodoropoulos, defeated Rockdale Ilinden in Round 7 in 2023 and are hoping that they can replicate that exact performance against Mark Crittenden’s troops at Majors Bay Reserve.
It will be a fierce encounter when two proud former National Soccer League giants meet as APIA Leichhardt FC tackle rivals Marconi Stallions.
Both clubs steeped in immense history will be doing what they can to ensure they grab that Round of 32 spot as well as bragging rights in what is sure to be the feature match of Round 7.
While finally a team that holds the record in NSW for Round of 32 appearances with seven as well as being former Australia Cup finalists, Sydney United 58 will face either Sydney Olympic FC or NWS Spirit FC who are yet to play their round 6 match which takes place next Tuesday at Belmore Sports Ground (7pm).
The winners of these fixtures not only progress to the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup but will also challenge for the 2024 Waratah Cup, a title currently held by Sydney United 58, with the 4 winners making up the semi-finals.
2024 Australia Cup NSW Preliminary Round 7 Fixtures
- Rockdale Ilinden v Phoenix FC
- APIA Leichhardt FC v Marconi Stallions FC
- Inter Lions FC v Blacktown City FC
- Sydney Olympic FC/NWS Spirit FC v Sydney United 58
Australia Cup Round of 32 Appearances
- APIA Leichhardt FC – 4
- Blacktown City – 5
- Inter Lions FC – 1
- Marconi Stallions – 3
- NWS Spirit FC – 1
- Rockdale Ilinden – 2
- Sydney United 58 – 7
- Sydney Olympic – 3
Mar 09: Match action in the NPLNSW Men’s between Marconi Stallions and APIA Leichhardt at Marconi Stadium (Photos: Damian Briggs/Speedmedia)
