How did the eight clubs featuring in Wednesday night's FFA Cup Round of 32 opening night fare on the weekend?
Hume City end tumultuous week with a win
In an ominous sign, western Sydney outfit Marconi Stallions smashed Central Coast Mariners 5-0 on the weekend. Gun 27-year-old striker Mirjan Pavlovic with a hat-trick, Sean Rooney and Noah Chianese with a goal each to confirm a big victory. Like Hume, after losing their coach Jeff Suzor during the week, the Stallions have responded well ahead of the biggest game of the year.
Sydney United58 held by Tigers
Mark Rudan’s powerhouse drew 2-2 with Apia Leichhardt Tigers on Sunday with a couple of familiar names on the scoresheet – the prolific Chris Payne (18th of the season) and Panni Nikas from a set piece in the draw. United face Blacktown City on Wednesday night.
City warmed up for the big one with their local rivals in the west of Sydney with a confidence-building 3-0 victory on Sunday afternoon.
FNQ Heat edge Roar
An early goal from Shimon Watanabe delivered FNQ Heat a crucial 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar Youth at Cleveland Showgrounds. Watanabe headed home inside the opening five minutes for the visitors before a tense and tactical battle ensued for much of the remaining contest. Heat face Edgeworth Eagles from Northern NSW on Wednesday night in Cairns.
A goal in each half has kept Brisbane Strikers firmly in the Premiership hunt following a 2-0 win at Sunshine Coast Stadium against the Fire. Rhys Meredith opened the scoring midway through the opening stanza before Trent Clulow wrapped up the result prior to the hour to end Fire’s run of three straight wins. Strikers head north to Darwin to face Rovers on Wednesday night.
Darwin Rovers FC clash rescheduled
Rovers has a rest this weekend with their local club match against Olympic re-scheduled to August 17.