Our Round of 16 clash with NPL New South Wales side Marconi Stallions is fast approaching. Ahead of the knockout fixture, we take a look at the Stallions journey to the Round of 16.
FFA Cup: NSW Preliminary Rounds – Rounds Four to Seven.
Marconi’s journey to the FFA Cup Round of 16 commenced with a comprehensive 7-1 win over Abbotsford Junior FC at Marconi Stadium on Wednesday 10 April in the Fourth Preliminary Round in New South Wales. Booking their place in the fifth round of qualifying, the New South Wales National Premier League side drew Blacktown & District Football Association side Ponds FC on Wednesday 24 April.
Facing a side that was four levels above, The Ponds tackled a tough challenge at Jonas Bradley Reserve. The side based in Sydney’s West put up a strong showing in front of their local fans, but were ultimately undone, going down 5-1 to a clinical Stallions outfit.
In Round 6, Marconi’s draw got a little tougher, drawing fellow NPL NSW’s side Hakoah Sydney City East FC at Hensley Athletic Field on Wednesday 15 May. Stallions Head Coach Peter Tsekenis and his men continued their strong run in the preliminary rounds of the competition, defeating their fellow NPL side 3-1.
Marconi’s comprehensive win over Hakoah set up a mouth-watering clash with NPL NSW side Sydney Olympic at Belmore Sports Ground on Wednesday 5 June in the Seventh Preliminary Round. With a place in the FFA Cup Round of 32 on the line, both sides were determined to secure a safe passage through, where the prospect of facing a Hyundai A-League powerhouse was up for grabs. On enemy territory, Marconi’s cup run continued, as goals to James Andrew, Marko Jesic and Marty Fernandez cancelled out Jason Mandonis’ effort to secure a 3-1 win to the Stallions.
Preliminary Round Results:
Round 4: Abbotsford United Junior FC 1 – 7 Marconi Stallions FC, Marconi Stadium
Round 5: The Ponds FC 1 – 5 Marconi Stallions FC, Jonas Bradley Park
Round 6: Hakoah Sydney City East FC 1 – 3 Marconi Stallions FC, Hensley Athletic Field
Round 7: Sydney Olympic FC 1 – 3 Marconi Stallions FC, Belmore Sports Ground
FFA Cup Round of 32: South Hobart 0 Marconi Stallions FC 3
A string of strong performances in the preliminary rounds saw Marconi book their place in the FFA Cup Round of 32 for the third time in club history. The cup draw saw the Stallions book a date with South Hobart at Blundstone Arena on Wednesday 31 July.
Blustery conditions greeted the two sides in Bellerive, as a handball in the penalty area saw Marko Jesic send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot to hand his side a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute. Four minutes later the visitors would double their advantage as a dangerous cross led to an unfortunate own goal by South Hobart defender Hugh Ludford.
With one minute of regulation time to play, the Stallions would secure their passage through to the Round of 16 as Damian Tsekenis nodded home a towering header at the back post.
🎙"The Marconi Stallions are starting to stampede!"
Could @marconi_sfc be the first @OfficialNPLAus team to lift the FFA Cup?#FFACup #MagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/siWTHusncp
— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) August 5, 2019
Melbourne City take on Marconi Stallions FC in the FFA Cup Round of 16 at Marconi Stadium on Wednesday 21 August, kick-off 7:30pm (AEDT).
