Hume City’s FFA Cup fairy tale run continues with the NPL side through to the final four of the Australia wide tournament.
City were made to work hard for the win, with a goal in the last two minutes of extra time sealing the 3-2 win over Oakleigh Cannons on Tuesday night at ABD Stadium.
It’s the second time in City’s three national stage matches that they’ve scored a goal in the dying minutes of extra time to secure the win.
City coach Louie Acevski said to make the final four was beyond expectations.
“It’s a great feeling and the boys are reaping the awards for the hard work they have put in,” he said.
“We are becoming specialists in heart in the mouth moments. It’s not necessarily good for us, but it’s good for the crowds watching.
“The boys have a never die attitude and believe that they are good enough to come back from anywhere.”
It was the Cannons who opened the scoring in the third minute of the game through Sean Rooney.
Theo Markelis hit back for City in the 17th minute, before City again found themselves trailing at half time when Dean Piemonte scored in the 34th minute.
Acesvki said he didn’t change anything up at half time, he just backed the boys to do the job.
“I said at half time you have to go back to believing that you can do.
“It wasn’t about tactical decisions or sticking to the game plan, it was about wanting it more.”
City responded and equalled the scores through Markelis in the 84th minute, before Marcus Schroen scored the match winner in the 118th minute.
“We created a number opportunities to kill off the game, but weren’t able to convert,” Acevski said.
“We were comfortably the better side in the game.
“It’s always a lottery with penalty shoot outs and we were hoping to get a goal in extra time.
“Hags [Nick Hegarty] got a shot off and unfortunately for the keeper he fumbled the shot and Marcus was on hand to put the ball in the net.
“Credit to Marcus he made a big run to get the cross in the net.”
City will find out its semi final opponent next week after the completion of the quarter finals.
Melbourne Victory also won through to the final four and they will be joined by the winners of Heidelberg United and Melbourne City, and Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers.
“It’s a great opportunity for the players,” Acevski said.
“I think the rule is that if it an NPL side left and they are playing an A-League side, the NPL club will be the home side.
“That will be another bonus for us.
“I’ve said from the start if we could get to play Melbourne Victory, the A-League champions, it would be phenomenal for the boys.”
Acevski also paid tribute to the club’s supporters who have turned out at the last three tournament matches.
More than 1500 turned up to City’s match against the Cannons.
“For us amazing is an understatement to describe them,” he said.
“We normally have 100-150 people at an NPL game.
“The crowds are an inspiration with their really loud cheering and singing of songs. It definitely helps the boys.”
