Heidelberg United’s victorious coach George Katasakis says the team meeting on the day was pivotal to their famous 1-0 win over Perth Glory on Tuesday night in the FFA Cup Round of 32.
At a buzzing Heidelberg Olympic Village in front of a good sized crowd, tall striker Kenny Athiu’s second half strike was the difference.
AS IT HAPPENED: Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32: MD2
He kept his cool on the burst through to smash home the winner much to the delight of the Bergers faithful.
STELLAR SEASON
“It’s been an incredible performance, and a stellar season. The boys were exceptional today. They took the game to Perth – there was no holding back,” Katsakis told Fox Sports.
Heidelberg were on top from the start and fully deserved to progress to the Round of 16.
Perth for their part were sluggish, second to the ball and never looked like troubling the hosts.
It was a disjointed and listless performance from Kenny Lowe's men, who clearly looked like they'd only had three weeks of pre-season under their belt.
“A very proud moment,” Katsakis added.
“There was an abundance of people here [at the stadium] and the history lives on.
"This is a big club and it just shows the gap between A-League and NPL is narrowing.”
PART-TIMERS PLOT VICTORY
Heidelberg’s part-timers all worked in the morning of the game - including coach Katsakis - before meeting up at the club around lunchtime to plot their famous win during their team meeting.
“We decided [at the team meeting] to take the game to them and the rest is history,” he said.
Heidelberg's opponents in the Round of 16 will be decided on August 9 immediately after the final Round of 32 match.
