Hume City knows that once you make the national stage of the FFA Cup anything can happen.
After been the fairytale story of last year’s cup, when they reached the final four before losing to A-League club Melbourne Victory, City was determined to make it back to the last 32 for a second straight year.
And they achieved that last week with possibly their best performance of the year a 4-0 romp against Richmond, with two goals from Kym Harris and one each from Tom Cahill and Theo Markelis.
City coach Louie Acevski said he couldn’t have asked for more from his players.
“It could have been six, seven, or even eight nil . . . the boys did really well,’ he said.
“We missed three or four sitters in the last 10 minutes.
“It was a professional performance and I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“I don’t think they had a shot at all.”
Acevski said City was thrilled to be one of four Victorian clubs along with Green Gully, Melbourne Knights and Bentleigh Greens to reach the national stage of the FFA Cup, where they could meet an ALeague side or club or a qualifier from another state.
“Our goal was to qualify for the national stage,” Acevski said.
“Without a doubt to achieve that goal puts a smile on the faces for everyone in the cub
“Hopefully, we can replicate last season or go one step further
“You need a bit of luck with the draw and to play as many home games as possible.
“You never know what will happen.”
It will be a busy time for City, with the win against Richmond also assuring them of a semifinal spot in the Victoria-based Dockerty Cup , plus the normal NPL matches.
They will face Green Gully in that competition on July 4.
Acevski said he would make sure he was rotating players to keep everyone fresh as possible.
“We have 20odd players who can do the job,” he said.
“It gives me a headache at selection time. “
In the NPL, City closed the gap to the top sides with a 3-1 win against Oakleigh Cannons on Saturday.
Hume fell behind early, Craig Carley levelled the scores and Kristian Trajceski gave City the lead.
Carley’s second goal late in the second half sealed the win.
City is fifth on the ladder, only goal difference behind thirdplaced Heidelberg United.
