Two highly fancied PS4 NPL Queensland sides have been sent packing as the latest stage of Brisbane’s Preliminary Rounds produced a couple of major boilovers.
Brisbane Strikers, who have reached the Westfield FFA Cup Final Rounds in each of the past three years, were ousted by Football Brisbane Flight Centre Premier League leaders Rochedale Rovers, while the John Kosmina coached Brisbane City were also bundled out at the hands of a ten-man Logan Lightning, also from the Flight Centre Premier League, in a five goal thriller.
After hosting a dream Cup tie against eventual Westfield FFA Cup champions Melbourne City FC in the Round of 16 last year, Brisbane Strikers were sent crashing out in Round 5 of the 2017 edition by an inspired Rochedale outfit at Underwood Park.
Ryan Palmer gave Brisbane Strikers a dream start inside the opening five minutes but within 90 seconds Rochedale were back on level terms courtesy of a stunning strike from Seiji Shizuno.
Lewis Cameron then unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the penalty area to put the home side in front, before new father Kado Aoci sealed the result when he poached on a rebound off the post.
It was a famous win and a second big scalp in as many years for Rochedale after they knocked out another PS4 NPL side, Moreton Bay United, last year.
Logan Lightning also celebrated a momentous victory as they came from behind twice to stun Brisbane City away from home.
A second half brace from Max Brown helped the Lightning record their second win over City in the history of the Westfield FFA Cup (CLICK HERE for a full match report).
Moreton Bay United remain in this year’s competition after they needed a late goal from Stephen Green to get past Albany Creek FC 2-1. Green produced a fine individual effort in the 88th minute to end Albany Creek’s impressive Cup run.
In other Brisbane zone Round 5 matches, Peninsula Power ended the run of giant killers Brisbane Knights with a comprehensive 5-0 win, Grange Thistle proved too good away to Southside Eagles in a 2-0 result, and Holland Park Hawks prevailed in a penalty shootout over Souths United after scores were locked 2-2 at the end of extra time (CLICK HERE for a full match report).
Olympic FC, who reached the Round of 32 in the Westfield FFA Cup’s inaugural year, also progressed in an all-PS4 NPL encounter, defeating Western Pride 2-1.
Redlands United, last year’s Westfield FFA Cup giant slayers after beating then reigning Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United, were the last team through to Round 6 courtesy of a 2-0 win over UQ FC.
Elsewhere in the Sunshine State, FNQ Heat eliminated their PS4 NPL neighbours Northern Fury from the Westfield FFA Cup for the third year running. FNQ Heat, who are aiming to reach the Round of 32 for the fourth straight time, will meet Mackay Magpies for a spot in the Final Rounds after the Magpies defeated Capricorn Coast 4-3 to progress to Round 7.
Current PS4 NPL Queensland league leaders Gold Coast City marched into Round 7 after accounting for SWQ Thunder.
The team from the Glitter Strip will face Caloundra FC in a Round of 32 qualifer after they eliminated PS4 NPL club Sunshine Coast FC and followed it up with a comfortable 4-0 win over Brothers Aston Villa.
CLICK HERE to view all of the Westfield FFA Cup Preliminary Round results from around the country.
