NPL outfit Maitland FC have lit the fuse for a potentially spice FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 clash against Central Coast Mariners on Wednesday night.
In a light-hearted but pointed jibe at their Hyundai A-League opponents, the boys from Maitland delivered ‘5 facts about the Mariners’ on Monday.
Among the points made by the Northern NSW outfit was the fact the Mariners haven’t beaten an NPL side in the FFA Cup since 2014, a 5-0 win over Gold Coast in the quarter finals.
In fact, that was the last win of any kind the side from Gosford have registered in the FFA Cup.
The Mariners have been eliminated in the Round of 32 for the last four years, including twice against NPL opposition, in 2016 against Green Gully followed by Blacktown City in 2017.
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It’s a scenario the current crop of Mariners are well aware of, ensuring they are on high alert heading into Wednesday night’s clash at Maitland Sportsground.
“Alen [coach Alen Stajcic] spoke to us and saying the previous years the club hasn’t had a great run [in the FFA Cup],” defender Ruon Tongyik said on Monday.
“Coming into this game he’s [Stajcic] given us a lot of confidence. We’re not taking anything lightly, we know they [Maitland] are a good team
“We just want to be able to play our style and give everything we have got. We want to come here, get the job done and look forward to the next one.”
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Maitland, who are currently fourth in the Northern NSW NPL, have Hyundai A-League experience in their ranks, including ex-Newcastle Jets duo Matt Thompson and Nick Cowburn.
The match kicks-off at 7.30pm (AEST). You can watch every minute live on Kayo and the My Football app. You can also watch along on the Fox Sports website.
