By Tara Murray
Metropolitan League one side Tullamarine is through to the next round of the FFA Cup after a comprehensive win against Lara United on Saturday.
In one of the biggest matches in the club’s short history, Tullamarine proved too good for the higher-ranked state league 5 side, winning 3-0 in the second round of qualifying.
Tullamarine media relations officer Gokmen Saaticeli said the players had been impressive in their two cup matches.
“The guys are getting better and each week as a collective,” he said.
“It’s a good experience for them overall.”
Kerem Akyayla scored twice in the win, while Suleyman Topal scored the other goal.
Saaticeli said one of the best things about the performances had been the opportunities given to some of the younger players.
“We’ve got a young group with some 14 and 15 year olds on the bench who are really talented,” he said.
“We’ve put a team together and they are all coming together. They are a tight-knit group and some of them have been playing together for eight years at other clubs.”
Saaticeli said one of the main reasons players were joining the club was due to their coach, Ufuk Kubilayhan.
The experienced Kubilayhan has coached overseas and at NPL level, including a short stint at Hume City.
Saaticeli said they were lucky to have someone as experienced at Kubilayhan to help them develop their program.
Saaticeli said the long-term goal for the club was to move through the ranks from the metropolitan competition and into the state league system.
In its first season, Tullamarine made it through to the metropolitan league one grand final.
The club is looking to develop a junior program so players can progress through the ranks. It currently has a Mini Roos program.
In the short term, the club would love to progress further into the FFA Cup and face higher-ranked sides.
“We’re really happy to be playing in the FFA Cup and the games give us a lot more experience at playing at a different, higher level,” Saaticeli said.
“It’s amazing to see them take on state league sides … they are very excited and happy as a club that we’ve got the tools for them to experience the FFA Cup.”
In other results, Meadow Park Eagles defeated Mitchell Rangers 5-0.
Christian Bongiovanni, Ryan McKay, Dany Bidawid, Frankie Barilla and James Hanna were the goal scorers.
Bundoora United defeated Tatura 3-2 and Uni Hill Eagles won 6-3 against Mt Lilydale Old Collegians.
MORE FFA CUP NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/young-melton-phoenix-all-set-for-a-faster-start/
