Moon: ‘That was the magic of the Cup’

Lions FC boss Warren Moon has spoken of his relief after his side scored a late goal to beat Olympic FC in a thrilling FFA Cup Round of 32 clash on Wednesday night.

In a battle between the top two teams in Queensland’s NPL, the Lions prevailed in a five-goal classic as Carter Glockner sealed a dramatic 3-2 win in the dying minutes.

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But the close finish belied what was a dominant first-half from Lions FC, as they took a 2-0 lead to the break via goals from Matija Simic and Jheison Macuace.

But the whole complexion of the game changed in the second-half as the visitors came storming back, levelling the scores as Zelfy Nazary and Jez Lofthouse got on the scoresheet.

Just when it seemed extra-time would be needed to split the two Queensland rivals, Glockner was on hand to provide a winner despite Olympic’s calls for offside.

“That was hard fought and it was certainly magic of the Cup,” Moon told Fox Sports post-match.

“The first half we were in complete control and the second half it was a completely different story but we found a way to get out of it.”

Lions FC
Lions FC form a huddle on the pitch after the win over Olympic FC.

Moon said he expected Olympic would come out firing after the break but was surprised how much his side tired in the second half.

“I certainly didn’t expect us to fatigue the way we did but credit to the boys,” the Lions FC coach said.

“All good sides find a way and tonight we were out on our feet, we were dead, but a moment of quality and we win the game.

“I’m proud of my boys. We were under the pump there and backs to the wall in the last 10 minutes and we managed to find that bit of quality and hold on for the win.”