They are the youngest club in the FFA Cup 2019 but don’t think Magpies Crusaders will be making any excuses when they make their debut on the national stage later this month.
The club from the NPL in Queensland were only formed in 2017 but thrive on taking it to their more fancied opponents, which is what they have done to reach this stage of the competition.
It took a dramatic penalty shootout win over Brothers Townsville for the boys from Mackay to reach the Round of 32.
ADELAIDE OLYMPIC GUIDE: Debutants ready to make an impression
BAYSWATER CITY GUIDE: Riding the crest of a wave
And they’ll fancy their chances of going even further in the competition, with Gold Coast minnows Coomera Colts their opponents in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 24.
They may be sitting 12th in the NPL this season but under the guidance of Henry Kennell, Crusaders appear to be set up perfectly for cut-throat Cup football.
BRISBANE STRIKERS GUIDE: Back in the national spotlight
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY GUIDE: Family of four aiming to take down City
Profile
Founded: 2017
Competition: National Premier League Queensland
Home ground: Sologinkin Oval, Mackay, Qld
History
Magpies Crusaders were only officially established as recently as 2017, as an amalgamation of two clubs in the region, Magpies Sporting Club and the Mackay Crusaders Football Club.
COOMERA COLTS GUIDE: Gold Coast minnows have potential to stun
DARWIN OLYMPIC GUIDE: Top End club looking to make FFA Cup history
They have been playing in the NPL in Queensland as a representative of the Mackay and Whitsundays region.
They are the first team from the Mackay region to make it to the FFA Cup Round of 32.
Key Players
Nottingham-born striker Michael Lyall has been the Crusaders’ main source of goals this season, with a sensational return of 12 in 14 appearances.
He not only has pace and is clinical inside the box, the 30-year-old also provides a real presence in the front third.
CONFIRMED: FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 Fixture Schedule
ROUND OF 32: Four fixtures you cannot afford to miss
Pulling the strings in midfield is the classy Matt Haspels. Born in Amsterdam, the 21-year-old is slight in frame but a powerhouse in the middle of the park with a brilliant range of passing.
Round of 32 Match Details
Magpies Crusaders v Coomera Colts
Date: Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Venue: Sologinkin Oval, Mackay
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Click here for ticket details
FFA CUP ROUND OF 32: MAGPIES CRUSADERS FC V COOMERA COLTS
