Heidelberg United’s Westfield FFA Cup heroes were in no doubt they deserved their 1-0 win over Perth Glory on Tuesday night as their fans celebrated one of their biggest wins in recent years.
In the round of 32 clash at Heidelberg’s Olympic Village, “King” Kenny Athiu’s second half strike was the difference between the NPL Victoria side and the Hyundai A-League outfit.
AS IT HAPPENED: Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32: MD2
The fairytale win was sweet for those who’ve been around the club for a number of years and fully deserved.
CONFIDENCE FROM THE GET-GO
“We’ve kept a lot of clean sheets this year and with the likes of Kenny [Athieu] Adrian [Zahra] and Sean [Ellis] going forward we knew we’d get a goal,” Heidelberg skipper and veteran Luke Byles told Fox Sports.
“We knew if we kept a clean sheet at the back we’d have every chance of a win.
"And you can see tonight, it could’ve been two, three or four nil.
“But 1-0 will do!”
NO PRESSURE ON BERGERS
Byles added: “There was no pressure on us. We’re sitting top of the [league] ladder so why not go for it.
“They are three weeks into their pre-season and it’s a long flight from Perth. And to be honest, I fancied us from the get-go.
“And Kenny took his goal really well.”
Hero Athiu was quick to deflect praise after his goal gave the former NSL club a famous win in front of a large crowd.
“It was a team effort. I did my part,” he told Fox Sports.
Athiu added: “No-one expected us to win. And we came out and showed what we were capable of.”
