Eagles ready to soar in FFA Cup

They are setting Newcastle football alight and now Edgeworth FC is ready to take it to a Hyundai A-League powerhouse in the Westfield FFA Cup round of 32.

The Eagles have been in irresistible form in the Northern NSW PS4 NPL, winning eight of their last nine matches to sit alone at the top of the standings.

And Coach Damien Zane believes his young outfit has the potential to spring a massive upset when they tackle Melbourne City FC for a spot in the last 16.

“It’s a big ask but like I’ve been saying we’re in our season, peaking and who knows if you catch them on an off night,” Zane told www.theffacup.com.au

“We’ve got a real belief that we can win any game. You can feel the excitement levels, even with the older guys.

“We go out to win every game and this will be no different. I dare say there will be a few more people there but we’ll treat it as normal as we can.

“They’re in the middle of the pre-season and maybe not firing on all cylinders. We’re flying at the moment. The boys are just so excited."

The Eagles were free-scoring in the preliminary rounds, netting 25 goals in 5 games including an 11-0 thrashing of New Lambton Eagles in their opening fixture.

But Zane believes it’s his side’s defensive structure that will prove vital against the likes of City attackers David Williams, Harry Novillo and Aaron Mooy.

“We’re pretty solid defensively. That’s where we see we can stay in the game. We’re quite quick and positive going forward. We have some dangerous guys in the front third,” Zane said.

“I think we suit this type of game. I’m confident we can stay in it for a fair chunk of the match and hopefully frustrate them a little bit.

“Who knows, maybe we can grab something that we can defend.”

The Eagles will be looking to create history by becoming the first Northern NSW team to make the last 16, with Broadmeadow Magic and South Cardiff falling in the round of 32 last year.

Zane acknowledged that his side faces an uphill task to progress but insists his young brigade will give a good account of themselves on the national stage.

“It’s a sort of grand final for these boys. It might never happen again so it might be the biggest game they ever play,” he said.

“For the younger guys, what an opportunity.  I dare say if you do really well it wouldn’t be anything for an A-League club to say ‘come down and we’ll have a look at you’. It’s a great chance for them.”