‘Scenes you would not believe’: Avondale pull off footballing miracle before Sydney FC clash

Avondale FC might need a minor miracle to upset Sydney FC on Wednesday night.

But fortunately for the NPL Victoria outfit, the Avengers appear to have the footballing gods on speed dial.

In last night's NPL Victoria semi-final against fellow FFA Cup Quarter Finalists Bentleigh Greens, Anthony Barbieri's side were down and out.

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Bentleigh's FFA Cup hat-trick hero Chris Lucas had just clinched another treble deep into extra time to put the Greens 3-1 up and heading for a consecutive NPL Victoria Grand Final appearance.

Then, with mere minutes on the clock, the unthinkable happened.

Avondale first launched a hopeful free kick from down town that was headed into his own net by Bentleigh's James Kelly. 3-2.

Seconds later, lightning struck twice. Another hopeful hit forward from Avondale, another wayward Bentleigh header that sailed past goalkeeper Ryan Scott. 3-3.

Penalties were imminent, but Avondale could smell blood. And in the last kick of the game, Jonathan Germano clipped in a fine free kick on the edge of the area to complete a sensational comeback.

There were shades of Brisbane Roar’s stunning three-minute comeback against Central Coast Mariners in the Hyundai A-League 2011 Grand Final, and now Avondale will meet Heidelberg United in the NPL Victoria Grand Final next Sunday evening.

But first the two teams must turn their attention toward the FFA Cup Quarter Finals on Wednesday night.

Bentleigh will try and pick themselves off the ground after receiving the ultimate knockout blow at the hands of Avondale.

But it doesn’t get any tougher for the Greens to bounce back, and a clash against their fierce NPL Victoria rivals Heidelberg United will be the ultimate test of character.

Avondale, meanwhile, will approach what looked a near impossible task against FFA Cup holders Sydney FC with renewed vigour.

Who would dare bet against them after last night's miracle?