By Tara Murray
A stunning hat-trick from Marko Delic has launched Hume City into the final eight of the FFA Cup.
Looking to make it into the final eight for the second time, Hume had to come from behind on the road against Adelaide Olympic.
Olympic scored the opener in the 23rd minute, before the Delic show started.
He would score in the 32nd minute to level the scores, before giving Hume the lead in the 61st minute.
The third goal and what would be the icing on the cake, came in the 71st minute.
Hume coach Nick Hegarty said it was a dominant performance.
“We’re really happy for the boys and it’s a good way to top off an already good season.
“We wanted to travel over and put in a performance to be proud of, which we did.
“The game was pretty similar from start to finish. They sat back and tried to hit on the counter attack, which they managed to do that once.”
“We deserved to get the win.”
Hegarty said Delic took his chances when they presented.
“You need moments to get confidence and take that next step,” he said.
“He took his chances and was really good. Hopefully he will kick on.”
Hegarty said Stevie Hewitt was again really good controlling things on the pitch, in a really strong team effort.
He said they would look to continue that style of football in the round of eight.
Hume City has drawn A-league side Centrals Coast Mariners.
Despite all their success in the FFA Cup, Hume is yet to beat an A-League side, making a win here massive for the club.
Hegarty said it will be an amazing night at their home stadium, ABD Stadium Broadmeadows Valley Park.
“It’s a nice chance to celebrate the season off with our fans and members,” he said.
“It should be a night for them to enjoy the season with us.
“They will be three weeks further into their pre-season which will make it more difficult.
“We’ll do our research… We’re looking forward to it.”
Hume’s immediate focus though is its National Premier League elimination final against Oakleigh Cannons on Saturday night.
Hegarty said it would be full steam ahead for the side in preparation for that match.
“Any win here is a bonus, we’ve had a good season,” he said.
“We know that anything can happen.
“We’ll see how fatigued everyone is and we’ll do what we need to do, to put out a good performance on Saturday night.”
