Former Hyundai A-League goalkeeper Justin Pasfield was the hero as it took a penalty shootout for Sydney United 58 to beat APIA Leichhardt on a dramatic night of Westfield FFA Cup preliminary matches on Wednesday night.
Elsewhere, there was an 11-goal thriller at O’Neill Park as Yagoona Lions beat Oatley RSL 6-5 in an absolute classic, while it was also raining goals as Bulli thrashed Bonnet Bay 11-1 and Blacktown Spartans crushed North Sydney United 7-0.
But it was the ex-Mariner Pasfield who grabbed the headlines and kudos.
He was in stunning form in the shootout to help send United through, after scores were locked at 2-2 after a gripping 120 minutes at Sydney United Sports Centre.
Robert Mileski’s goal had given Mark Rudan’s United a 1-0 lead at the break before APIA hit-back through David D’Apuzzo only to go behind again soon after via Matthew Bilic.
Franco Parisi responded for the visitors and almost stole victory when he hit the bar late on but it wasn’t to be as Pasfield proved the difference in the shootout.
United, who lost to Sydney FC in the round of 16 of last year’s competition, were one of a number of NPL 1 clubs that progressed on a massive night of matches.
Fellow 2014 round of 16 side Sydney Olympic had a huge 6-1 win over Waverley Old Boys thanks to goals from brothers Michael and Harris Gaitatzis (two each), Dimi Hatzimouratis and Scott Balderson.
An extra-time goal from Peter Simonoski allowed South Coast Wolves to prevail 3-2 over Mt Druitt Town Rangers while ex-NSL club Marconi were crushed 5-0 by Sutherland Sharks.
Rockdale City Suns edged out Rydalmere Lions 2-1, Bonnyrigg White Eagles ran out 3-2 winners against Fraser Park, while it took penalties for Parramatta FC to beat Southern Districts after a 3-3 draw.
In other results, Hakoah Sydney City East won 2-1 against Glebe Gorillas, Woonona FC were too good for Sydney CBD 3-0 and Mounties Wanderers saw off Dulwich Hill 2-1.
The action doesn’t stop this weekend as South Australia begin their preliminary rounds with 13 matches played across the state on Saturday.
Easter Monday also provides a feast of Westfield FFA Cup matches with 24 games in Tasmania and Western Australia respectively.
Keep up to date with all the Westfield FFA Cup news, fixtures, results and videos by heading to www.theffacup.com.au
