Smith relieved with Cup win in the West

Skipper and goal-scorer Matt Smith was relieved no giant-killing headlines were written after Brisbane Roar FC eased past Stirling Lions 4-0 in the Westfield FFA Cup on Tuesday night in Perth.

A spread of goals from Roar's Henrique in the first half followed by Brown, Smith and Solorzano saw the Hyundai A-League powerhouse through at the WA Athletics Stadium.

But the Lions took the game to the Queenslanders early on as they forced the Roar onto the back foot.

Smith conceded Roar could’ve scored more than the four times in the end, but praised Lions for their showing against the reigning Hyundai A-League premiers and champions.

“Second half we went on with it,” Smith said after Brisbane’s three goal second half killed off the Lions’ chances of an upset.

“We came to Perth knowing it’d be a hard game. They’ve been doing well in their local league.

“We were very cautious that there’s been some big upsets in the FFA Cup so far, so we’re really pleased to have come here, put in good performance on a good surface to get four goals – and it could’ve been a few more.

“They made it particularly hard for us in the first half. Credit to the local team.”

Now the Round of 16 awaits in the Westfield FFA Cup with the draw this Friday afternoon on Fox Sports. 

And with three NPL teams from Queensland still in the Cup, a Queensland derby could eventuate in the round of 16. 

“The FFA Cup is a special tournament,” added the English-born Smith, who recently played for the Foxtel A-League All Stars against Juventus.  

“We’re happy to get to the round of 16.”