Experienced Mt Druitt Town Rangers defender Travis Oughtred understands the important role the FFA Cup plays as the 36-year-old prepares to go to battle when the club tackles fellow National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s outfit the Wollongong Wolves on Saturday 6th of November at Popondetta Park.
Having once reached the Round of 16 himself whilst playing for Manly United, the Newport local believes the Rangers have what it takes to progress further into Australia’s prestigious knockout Cup competition.
“I think for every NPL side across Australia the FFA Cup gives them the chance to show the country what they have on a National stage and against National opponents,” Oughtred stated to Football NSW.
“There is a massive community vibe down at Popondetta Park with loads of kids and their parents supporting the club which is truly amazing.
“They’d love to see us progress to the next round.
“Last time out I was with Manly United, and we knocked out the Rangers in the Round of 32 in extra time, so hopefully I can help get us to the Round of 16 and beyond.
“Of course, everyone would love to get an A-League team except me, I’m happy to draw as easy as possible and then win the final.
“I’m very keen to take part in the AFC Asian Champions League.”
Preparations for Stewart Montgomery’s men have been intense but Oughtred has been happy with how the team has progressed especially with the club set to debut several new faces against the Wolves.
“We’ve been training for roughly three weeks now, our strength and conditioning coach loves running so we’ve been flat out with that.
“Preparations for the match have been pretty smooth.
“The coaching staff had us on a pre-training resumption program which gave us the chance to hit the ground running when we got back into training as a team.
“We still have a couple of regulars unavailable due to vaccination and location issues but the attitudes of the lads has been amazing. Everyone is focused on getting to the next round.
“We’ve got some new faces that have settled in seamlessly.
“It feels like they’ve been around for years, which is great given they are young blokes in general (compared to an old fella like me).
“New faces to watch out for are Louis Khoury and Rhett DeSilva, we are expecting big things from them while new keeper Matt Symes has also been solid as he takes over the reins from Carlos (Saliadarre) who has since moved to Queensland.”
Popondetta Park has always been a tough place to go to for any rival NPL NSW Men’s outfit and the tough tackling defender knows that it will be the parochial home support that will act as the twelfth man in a bid to spur the Rangers onto hopeful glory against a quality Wolves outfit.
“The support throughout the 2021 season from all of our fans has been inspirational and we are absolutely determined to win this game against the Wolves and progress.
“My message to our home fans is, if you can all get down to the ground that would be fantastic, it will push and motivate the boys even further.
“The lads are going to ensure it is a night to remember for everyone in attendance.
“I know lockdown has been hard on everyone but this is a huge opportunity to bring all our fans back to the game, watching live football and hopefully seeing us do the business.
“Also, no Dylan Mitchell this time around to scare the kids (laughs).”
As the the old NPL NSW Men’s saying goes, can the Wolves do it on a Saturday evening at Popondetta Park, one things for sure, Oughtred and co will certainly make it uncomfortable for Luke Wilkshire’s troops when they make the long trek from down South.
Main pic credit: Football NSW
FFA Cup Round of 32 match details
Mount Druitt Town Rangers FC v Wollongong Wolves
Date: Saturday 6 November
Time: 7:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Live & free on 10 Play
Tickets: Buy here
