Hume City has bounced back from a disappointing loss with two convincing wins in four days.
Facing Springvale White Eagles in a Dockerty Cup clash, City secured a quarter-final berth with a 6-0 win last Wednesday night.
“We are part of the competition and we want to win it. We want to be part of the FFA Cup,” coach Louie Acevski said.
All four semi-finalists automatically qualify for the FFA Cup, which involves Australia’s best teams.
“[Springvale] was a competitive team and they had us under pressure for long periods of time,’’ Acevski said.
“Prior to playing us they had won four straight games. We took our opportunities.”
Acevski’s young side backed up against Ballarat Reds on Saturday, winning a National Premier League match, 3-1.
City started well with first-half goals to Anthony Proia, Johnny Buceto and Richie Cardozo, and was never headed in the second half.
City faces Bentleigh Greens this weekend before its Dockerty Cup quarter-final against South Springvale.
“It’s going to be a couple of hectic weeks, hopefully the players can do what they are paid to do,’’ Acevski said. “I’ve noticed with young boys the harder you keep them going through this period the better they play.”
In NPL 1, Whittlesea Ranges FC was unable to hold onto a 2-0 half-time lead against Dandenong, playing out a 2-2 draw at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex. Daniel Peluso and Kliment Dimitrieski scored for Ranges.
This week, Whittlesea faces Box Hill United at home.
