Mount Druitt Town Rangers have enjoyed a rapid ascension in recent years, culminating in their first appearance in the FFA Cup Round of 32.
Can the NSW NPL outfit be this year’s giant-killers and go deep into the competition?
They will certainly feel they can advance at least into the last 16 when they host fellow NSW NPL side Manly United on Wednesday, July 24.
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The newly-promoted Rangers have done an excellent job to sit comfortably above the bottom teams in the top-flight in NSW and punched their ticket into their maiden Round of 32 appearance by upsetting runaway leaders Wollongong Wolves.
With a style that’s a mix of organisation, grit and flashes of brilliance, the boys from Sydney’s west might just have the formula to mix it with the big guns.
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Profile
Founded: 1970
Competition: National Premier League, NSW
Home ground: Popondetta Park, Emerton, NSW
Honours: National Premier League 2 Premiers 2018
History
The club was founded late in the 1960’s by two football-loving Scotsman, one a Rangers fan, the other Celtic.
That’s why the name Rangers was taken by the club, while the Celtic fan managed to incorporate green as part of the club’s colours. Gold was brought in later as a nod to Australia.
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The club have been renowned for their work with the local refugee and East African communities.
Their home ground at Popondetta Park was recently upgraded to provide seating for over 1500 people and an electronic scoreboard.
Key Players
When it comes to goal threats the boys from Mount Druitt aren’t short of options.
Mirjan Pavlovic – who has played for Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League - might be 30 now but is still a prolific scorer at NPL level.
Australian youth international and ex-Western Sydney Wanderers attacker John Roberts is another who is deadly inside the box for Aidan Desmond’s troops.
At the other end of the pitch, Fijian international defender Alvin Singh provides a calming influence and is difficult to beat both in the air and in a foot race.
Round of 32 Match Details
Mount Druitt Town Rangers v Manly United
Date: Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Venue: Popondetta Park
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Click here for ticket details
FFA Cup Round of 32: Mount Druitt Town Rangers v Manly United
