Hume City through to FFA Cup final 32

By Tara Murray

Michael Weier is the man of the moment for Hume City as the National Premier League side is through to the final 32 of the FFA Cup.

Hume had to do get through the hard way, defeating Oakleigh Cannons 3-2 on penalties, after neither team could find the back of the net during the game and extra time.

Weier stepped up when it was needed, keeping out the Cannons first two penalties to give Hume the ascendancy.

They kept their heads in front despite a missed penalty from Marko Delic.

When Weier made a third save, the game was over with Hume through to the national stage of the FFA Cup.

Hume coach Nick Hegarty said having been in penalty situations in past years in the cup, they were prepared for it to happen.

“We tried to do a couple of things,” he said.

“We predetermined where everyone would be in the shoot out to take the pressure off.

“Michael then stood up with three massive saves. The pressure is on everyone, but the two early saves helped. We then took our chances and we were able to come away with it.

“It’s something we’re really proud of.”

Hegarty said he thought they had the ascendancy throughout the game and had been unlucky not to score.

He said the group had done everything asked of them.

“We played a good brand of footy and created some good opportunities,” he said.

“Michael had an unbelievable save in the second half. We then missed three one-on-ones and had one cleared off the line.

“Their keeper made some good saves. The longer it went on, the more it looked like it would be us.”

Hegarty said the side’s form throughout the whole competition had been impressive.

Their last three wins had come against NPL sides.

“It’s the stage we want to be at. We beat Oakleigh, Heidelberg United and Bentleigh. We played three quality sides.

“In past year you can sometimes get to this stage without meeting anyone in your league.

“Well done to our boys.”

It’s the fourth time that Hume has made it through to the national stage. Their best finish was making the final four in 2015, before being knocked out by Melbourne Victory.

The win also secures Hume’s spot in the Dockerty Cup semi finals. They will face either Altona Magic or Moreland Zebras.

Hegarty said they were keen to make it to the Dockerty Cup final for the first time. He said he couldn’t be prouder of the performances of the players across all competitions.

“We’ll try and put out a decent performance,” he said.

“The aim is to make the final, one step further than we have been.

“I don’t think the club has won anything. It’s kind of important to make a mark as a force going forward and that starts with winning things.

“We’ll take each game as it comes.”