Heffernan: Heidelberg history adds 'spice' to Cup quest

English striker Daniel Heffernan is well aware of the shared history between the two teams. The 28-year-old is Heidelberg's main man at the moment, bagging 14 goals in the Victorian NPL. 

“The boys are looking forward to it, especially given the history that comes between Sydney United and Heidelberg,” Heffernan said of the crunch Cup match.

“Both clubs were big back in the NSL days. It just adds that extra bit of spice to it.

“Cup games are different because it is a one off. It’s a totally different mindset. It is something we are definitely looking forward to and hope to get a result.

“Last round playing against Broadmeadow people were saying we were classed as favourites. This one might be a bit more level pegging.

“But given we are the home team, there is a little bit more pressure. If anything we’d be slight favourites because we are the home team.”

Heidelberg was founded in 1958 by newly arrived Greek immigrants from Florina, a town Northwest of Macedonia.

At one stage the Bergers had a record nine players representing the Socceroos first XI.

The club is looking to relive its most successful period from the 1970s and 80’s with an extended FFA Cup run and Heffernan’s scintillating form could prove crucial. 

Formerly from English lower league side Salford City, the striker scored a hat-trick for the Central Coast Mariners in a trial game against the Western Sydney Wanderers and hit the back of the net in a 3-1 win against Broadmeadow Magic in the FFA Cup.

“It was a good win for us,” Heffernan said of the Round of 32 victory.

“It was a good experience, in terms of having to travel and stay overnight – it was like a bonding session. But it was the result that mattered the most.”