Despite not meeting for over five years, South Cardiff and Broadmeadow Magic have produced some absolute classics in previous meetings.
Broadmeadow Magic is no stranger to the Australia Cup, possessing an immense history on the national stage of the competition, only failing to make the Round Of 32 on two occasions in the past 10 years while also facing big names like Sydney United and Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, South Cardiff holds a historic record in the Australia Cup being the first team to score in the tournament's Round Of 32 in a 2-2 loss after penalties against South Springvale in 2014.
The last meeting between these two teams took place on May 8th, 2019 where Broadmeadow Magic ran out 2-1 winners after a second-half comeback that was capped off by a last-gasp converted penalty from Mitch Oxborrow in the 86th minute after the Gunners took the lead through Sam Ford late in the first half.
Both these teams were involved in grand finals last season, with Broadmeadow Magic being defeated by Lambton Jaffas and South Cardiff FC defying the odds to reach the Northern League One Grand Final but ultimately being defeated by West Wallsend SFC on penalties.
Once again, back in 2014, these two sides were involved in a close affair, this time to decide who would be crowned the NNSW Football State Cup Champions.
Veteran goalkeeper Chris Bowling rose to the occasion for Broadmeadow in a penalty shootout against 10-man South Cardiff to hand the club their second Northern NSW Football State Cup title on Wednesday night back in 2014.
Bowling blocked the first and last penalties from the Gunners in a 6-5 shootout victory after scores were level at 1-1 on the full-time whistle in the knockout competition decider at Magic Park.
South Cardiff was reduced to 10 men early in the first half with Gunners defender Matt Darr picking up a second yellow card in the 38th minute. But Magic’s lead was wiped away as the gallant Gunners fought back to level, before almost stealing a win.
Once again in 2011, both sides were enveloped in penalty drama with Magic overcoming the Gunners 4-3 in a dramatic seven-goal Northern NSW State League grand final nearly 13 years ago.
The Gunners came from behind three times on that occasion before being defeated on penalties, in a match that saw four goals in added time including an 'Olimpico' from former South Cardiff player Jarryd Johnson in the dying stages of the match and where Dino Fajkovic nearly pinched the trophy in added time for South Cardiff.
South Cardiff defender, Jock Thompson who was involved in previous games against Broadmeadow Magic said he is relishing the opportunity to face Broadmeadow Magic once again.
“It’s going to be a real-tough contest and I think they will look to keep a lot of the ball. We just need to play our game and win our individual battles,” Thompson stated.
“It was a close encounter last game. We had a solid crowd and was a great atmosphere on the field. I think on another night we could have come away with a different result”.
“These are the types of games everyone wants to play in. It will be great to see the community get to the ground and support us. Expecting a solid crowd in what should be a close game.”
Current South Cardiff Head Coach, Perry Mellon shared his thoughts on the previous matchups.
“I was the Technical Director at South Cardiff when we played Magic in 2019. It was a hotly contested game, in which Magic won 2-1, having been down 1-0 in the first half. This was a massive achievement for the club and we are looking at going one better next week,” Mellon exclaimed.
Mellon further stated that the upcoming Australia Cup tie against Magic is one the club is very much looking forward too.
"It is a big occasion for the club. It’s an occasion that allows us to test ourselves against the best in Newcastle. It’s an occasion where our ground will be full of energy, I can’t wait to see what unfolds on the night. Hopefully we can do the club proud." Mellson said.
The 2024 edition of the very exciting South Cardiff FC v Broadmeadow Magic match-up takes place on Wednesday, April 17th with kick-off set from 7pm.
