There’s just over a couple of weeks until the FFA Cup 2018 Quarter Finals get underway, with the four Member Federation clubs in the competition still involved in the finals in their respective states.
APIA Warmed up for their last eight clash against Adelaide United by advancing to the NSW NPL Grand Final thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout win over Sydney United over the weekend.
DRAW: Melbourne Derby headlines Quarter Finals
The Tigers, who made national headlines by knocking Hyundai A-League champions Melbourne Victory out of the FFA Cup, will take on Sydney Olympic in this weekend’s decider.
They got there after a pulsating preliminary final, with goalkeeper Ivan Necevski the hero for his save from Shannon Cole’s spot-kick in the shootout to prevail 5-4.
It came after they needed a Sean Symons goal eight minutes from time to cancel out Glen Trifiro’s opener to send the match to extra-time.
After a tense and goalless extra 30 minutes, it was Necevski who stole the show, producing a superb stop from Cole’s penalty to keep their title hopes alive.
APIA and Premiers Olympic will play the Grand Final this Sunday at Leichhardt Oval, with kick-off at 4pm (AEST).
Meanwhile in Victoria, FFA Cup quarter-finalists Heidelberg United and Avondale FC met at Olympic Village, with the visitors running out 3-2 winners.
While Heidelberg already wrapped up the Premiership a couple of weeks ago, they suffered a rare loss before the Victorian NPL Finals Series, with Avondale’s goals coming from Liam Boland and a brace to Jonatan Germano.
It’s just the result Avondale will have wanted ahead of their FFA Cup clash against defending champions Sydney FC.
Heidelberg takes on Bentleigh in their last eight FFA Cup clash, with the Greens ending the regular season with a 6-2 drubbing of Bulleen Lions on the weekend.
