One of Australia’s grandest old clubs, former National Soccer League powerhouse Marconi Stallions, are out to etch their famous name on the FFA Cup in 2019.
The Stallions, who play out of their Bossley Park home in Sydney’s west, have been Australian national league champions four times (1977, 1980, 1981, 1982).
It is a collection of championships only rivalled by NPL NSW rivals Hakoah Sydney City East, NPL Victoria giants South Melbourne and Hyundai A-League duo Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
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Currently in sixth place on the NPL NSW ladder and preparing for Sunday’s Waratah Cup Final against Sydney United 58, Marconi are on course for their first NPL NSW finals appearance since dropping into the second tier in 2015 and return to the state flight in the 2018 season.
This is the club’s third appearance in the FFA Cup Round of 32, and a trip to Tasmania to face NPL Tasmania heavyweights South Hobart is the first challenge the Stallions must overcome if they are to add the FFA Cup trophy to their illustrious list of honours.
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(Feature image: photosbyloopii, Football NSW)
Profile
Founded: 1958
Competition: National Premier Leagues NSW
Home ground: Marconi Stadium (9,000 capacity)
Honours: National Soccer League Champions 1979, 1988, 1989, 1992–93
National Soccer League Premiers 1989, 1989–90, 1995–96
NSL Cup Winners 1980
NSW First Division Champions 1972, 1973, 2012
NSW NPL 2 Champions 2017
NSW NPL 2 Premiers 2017
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Key Players
Nathan Millgate – one of APIA Leichhardt’s heroes from their 2018 giant-killing of Melbourne Victory – forms an imposing defensive partnership with ex-Blacktown City captain Zac Cairncross, while the Speranza brothers, Giorgio and Roberto, will give South Hobart plenty to consider with their energetic thrusts from fullback.
Former Western Sydney Wanderers youth Liam Youlley keeps things ticking over in midfield, and trio Mitchell Mallia, Mirjan Pavlovic and Marko Jesic, the Stallions are all talented, seasoned attackers with Hyundai A-League experience.
And in forward James Andrew, a diminutive speedster whose double so nearly helped former employers Blacktown City knock out Western Sydney Wanderers in 2017, Marconi have a wildcard capable of producing moments of spectacular, match-winning brilliance from any position.
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Round of 32 Match Details
South Hobart v Marconi Stallions
Date: Wednesday, 31 July 2019
Venue: Blundstone Arena
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Click here for ticket details
FFA CUP ROUND OF 32: SOUTH HOBART V MARCONI STALLIONS
