With a packed Goodwin Park set to be rocking, Olympic FC coach Jim Bellas says his side will relish the underdog tag when they face former NSL club Melbourne Knights next Tuesday night.
The Queensland NPL side hosts the Knights in one of four intriguing ties to kick off the round of 32 in the inaugural competition.
After a slow start to their domestic title defence, Bellas believes his side is coming right at the perfect time of the year but knows they will have a challenge on their hands against the Knights in front of a full house at Goodwin Park.
“We in the last few years have really picked up our act up here and the quality of football has really improved.
“But I remember I used to watch them [Knights] on TV in the national league. They are coming from the VPL and playing little old Olympic FC, they should be favourites.”
That doesn’t mean the reigning Queensland NPL champions aren’t confident of causing a boil over and progressing.
With experienced squad members like former Brisbane Roar players Matt Mundy and Tim Smits (pictured), Bellas has no doubt they can continue on deep into the tournament.
“We want to progress as far as we can and maybe if we got an A-League team that would be sensational.
“The club’s very excited. The supporters, the committee, the coaches, players, we’re all thrilled to be a part of it.
“Playing teams from down south and all over Australia, it’s very exciting for us but we know we’re going to have a battle.”
Bellas said Goodwin Park was likely to be “chockers” with between three and 4000 people expected to turn out for the match.
For the Knights, their appearance in the Westfield FFA Cup marks their first return to the national stage since the NSL.
Andrew Marth’s side was the last club to qualify for the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32, with a dramatic 2-0 win over traditional rivals South Melbourne last month.
Next Tuesday night Aussie football history will be made when the first Westfield FFA Cup round of 32 clashes are played across Australia on this ‘Super Tuesday’.
Broadmeadow Magic versus Brisbane Strikers will be live and exclusive on Fox Sports. There will also be the goals and interviews from the other three games when South Cardiff Gunners take on Victorian lower league team South Springvale, Manly United host Sydney Olympic and the Knights play Olympic at Goodwin Park.
