The FFA Cup never disappoints when it comes to thrilling action, edge-of-your-seat drama and amazing goals.
And that was certainly the case again on Wednesday night with each of the five games throwing up their own memorable storylines.
RE-LIVE: All the goals and big moments from Match Day 2
WRAP: Craig Noone hits stunning goal on debut to send City through
We’ve highlighted a few in some of our best moments during match day two of the Round of 32.
Is Matt Simon set for a change of position?
Matt Simon has been terrorising defences in the Hyundai A-League for over a decade but could the Central Coast Mariners skipper now be set for a move into defence.
It could be a consideration for Mariners boss Alen Stajcic after the 33-year-old striker played the last 15 minutes of the match in central defence in his side’s 2-0 FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 win over Maitland FC on Wednesday night.
Simon was forced to move from front to back after injuries to both starting centre-backs in Giancarlo Gallifuoco and Ruon Tongyik.
The combative Simon did a sound job to preserve the Mariners’ clean sheet, with the only nervy moment coming when he was involved in a tangle with Grant Brown in the box, although the referee waved away penalty appeals.
Simon has scored 53 goals throughout his Hyundai A-League career and sits at ninth on the list of all-time scorers in the competition.
Noone announces himself to City fans
It wasn’t just Jamie Maclaren’s impressive double that would have pleased Melbourne City fans in their side’s 3-1 win over Campbelltown City.
New English attacker Craig Noone also caught the eye with his excellent all-round display and stunning first-half goal.
The winger came to the club with a reputation as an excellent dribbler with an eye for goal and he demonstrated those skills against the South Australian NPL leaders.
His goal was a thing of beauty, beating a couple of defenders before hitting a scorching left-footer from distance into the corner of the net.
You can be sure City fans – and coach Erick Mombaerts – will be hoping it’s the sign of things to come from the former Premier League attacker.
Hume City set for another Cup run?
What is it about Hume City and the FFA Cup?
The Victorian NPL side simply love the competition and Wednesday night’s win over Cooma Tigers means they have reached the last 16 for the third time in their history.
It was the 2015 competition where they showed their pedigree, going all the way to the Semi Finals where they went down to eventual winners Melbourne Victory.
Now under former Grimsby Town and St. Mirren midfielder Nick Hegarty, Hume’s reputation as Cup specialists show no signs of slowing down in this year’s competition.
Jesic still scoring goals
Marconi striker Marko Jesic again demonstrated his love of playing in the FFA Cup with a goal in the Stallions’ 3-0 win over South Hobart.
Jesic has an excellent scoring record in the competition, with his goal in Tasmania his third in just five appearances.
And he could have had a fourth, with his deflected effort last night credited as an own goal to South Hobart’s Hugh Ludford.
The 29-year-old, who played for Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League, previously scored two goals for Rockdale City in the 2015 FFA Cup, coming against Perth SC and Melbourne Victory.
And if Marconi are to go deep in this year’s competition, you can bet Jesic’s goals will be the reason.
Hot chips dilemma in Maitland
We’re not sure what disappointed the home fans at Maitland Sportsground more.
Not only did they see their side succumb 2-0 to Central Coast Mariners, but the canteen also sold out of hot chips well before the full-time whistle.
Young Joey performing on the national stage
The FFA Cup has been renowned for highlighting exciting young talent and that’s the case from Sydney United 58’s win over St George.
In the match of the night, United advanced to the Round of 16 with a dramatic 5-3 win, with youngster Michael Ruhs scoring the match-sealing goal in the second-half of extra-time.
It was a huge moment for the 16-year-old, who is also a member of Trevor Morgan’s Joeys squad which will play at this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.
