Melbourne City FC coach John van ‘t Schip was a relieved man after his side’s narrow 2-1 win over the plucky Edgeworth Eagles in the Westfield FFA Cup in Newcastle on Tuesday night.
City fell behind to a first-half penalty as they were put on the back-foot by the Northern NSW NPL club in the early stages.
But two stunning free-kicks from Aaron Mooy, including the winner in stoppage-time at the end of the match, spared the Hyundai A-League club’s blushes and sent them to the last 16.
FFA Cup wrap: goals and heroics
“It’s always going to be a difficult game, these types of games and compliments to Edgeworth Eagles they made it difficult,” van ‘t Schip told Fox Sports.
“They went 1-0 up and then you know it’s always going to be a tough game and in the end we won it.
“The main thing is going through, getting past [this round] and we achieved that.
“Now it’s looking forward, getting players more fit and looking to the next Cup round and also hoping to get players back from injury as well.”
With his side still in the early stages of their pre-season training, van ‘t Schip conceded his players couldn’t impose themselves on the match the way they wanted.
“The boys were struggling…they are honest and it was tough conditions for them to play the way we want to play,” the City boss said.
“At 1-1 the opponent will always have an opportunity and you have to be very concentrated and sharp because we didn’t finish the chances we got.
“It’s then you know it’s still possible for them and for us [to win]. It was a nervous game and in the end with two set pieces you win the game.”
