David vs Goliath clashes showcase FFA Cup Round 5 draw

by Damir Kulas 0

Image: Mark Avellino

The Round 5 draw of the FFA Cup has thrown up plenty of noteworthy fixtures with the two Cinderella stories of the competition so far being drawn against Australian football royalty.

State League Three South-East outfits Monbulk Ranges and Knox City face David v Goliath match-ups away from home against South Melbourne and Heidelberg United respectively.

In perhaps the tie of the round, nine-time state champions Green Gully will host five-time VPL winners Altona Magic whose squad includes former Gully favourites Jason Hayne and Jonathan Munoz.

The fieriest of the fixtures sees State League One rivals North Sunshine Eagles hosting former NSL side Preston Lions with there being no love lost between the pair.

2014 FFA Cup Semi-Finalists Bentleigh Greens have drawn Richmond away from home, with 2015 semi-finalists Hume City also drawing a second tier outfit in Nunawading City at ABD Stadium.

State League One giant-killers Banyule City face another tough test when they host two-time national champions Melbourne Knights, while Oakleigh Cannons face a tough trip away to Western Suburbs.

Former league rivals Box Hill United and 2014 national Round of 16 finalists South Springvale will square off, as will Werribee City and the Port Melbourne Sharks in a rematch of their 2014 final day relegation battle clash.

Ambitious NPL2 outfit Dandenong City will get to try out their new lights against the Bulleen Lions who are coached by former Hajduk coach Aaron Healey and includes ex-City man Brad Clarke.

Avondale travel to fourth tier Essendon United in a Moonee Valley derby of sorts, while Kingston City host State League Two South-East side North Caulfield, who upset the Goulburn Valley Suns last week.

NPL2 front-runners Northcote City face a tough assignment when they visit former NSL club Mooroolbark, who play a division below them in State League One.

Fourth tier Hume United have drawn NPL side Moreland City, while the competition’s last remaining regional team Morwell Pegasus travel to Paisley Park Soccer Complex to take on State Two side Altona City.