Two-goal McLean vows to keep Cup dream alive

Olympic FC star Jake McLean says his side’s ability to withstand an early onslaught from the Melbourne Knights was behind their historic 3-1 Westfield FFA Cup win on Tuesday night.

The former NSL champions made the brighter start at Goodwin Park but McLean swung the game in Olympic’s favour with two goals in 11 minutes before the break.

His first was a superb left-foot strike from just outside the box on 17 minutes before a superb swivel and shot doubled the lead in front of the jubilant home fans.

Jordan O’Doherty pulled one back for the Knights  early in the second half but then got himself sent off, allowing substitute Mustafa Jafari to settle the outcome  three minutes from time.

“It was a good night,” McLean said.

“They (Knights) had a couple of good early chances but we managed to weather the storm and then get a few goals ourselves.

“Then Mustafa (Jafari) came on at the end and getting the winner for us. It was good, we shut them off, then they got the red card and it was plain sailing from there.”

The 21-year-old rates the FFA Cup win up along with the club’s Queensland NPL grand final triumph last season and has his sights on more goals as they go in search of national glory.

“I could have had a hat-trick tonight but it wasn’t to be. I’m happy to get two,” McLean said.

“Hopefully I can keep scoring a few more in the (NPL) and hopefully get a few more this year (in the FFA Cup).

“It was good to be a part of and hopefully we can go even further in the FFA cup.”

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