After the Westfield FFA Cup draw on Wednesday, Melbourne City FC’s cup tie against Edgeworth Eagles drew media reaction from far and wide after the two sides were matched up in the Round of 32.
Michael Lynch of The Age says Melbourne City FC will “need to consult their sat-nav” ahead of its FFA Cup round-of-32 tie against Edgeworth Eagles.
The Eagles, who currently sit second in the ten-team Northern NSW Premier League, are set to make their first ever appearance at this stage of the tournament.
Comparing the match up to the English FA cup between Manchester United and League Two opponents Cambridge United, Lynch highlights the potential magnitude of an Eagles result. He wrote:
“Think of Cambridge United, holding the might of Manchester United to a goalless draw in the FA Cup earlier this year and you’ll get an idea of the fate that could befall Victory or City – although it should be noted that the Premier League stars saw off their League Two opponents in a replay.”
Melbourne City FC coach John van’t Schip cheerfully admitted his lack of knowledge about his side’s upcoming opponents, but will certainly not be taking the clash for granted.
“I am just a Dutchy from Amsterdam, but I can say that I will get up-to-date information about them as soon as I can,” van’t Schip said.
“We will definitely take this very seriously and treat them like any other opponent.”
Meanwhile Edgeworth coach Damien Zane told Robert Dillon of the Newcastle Herald his players have no intention of making up the numbers when they host City in FFA Cup.
Zane said his side are relishing the prospect of performing a giant-killing assignment against City, who finished fifth in the A-League last season.
“To get a big A-League club at home, it’s probably the best outcome you could hope for,” Zane said. “It’s at the beginning of their preparation, but we’ll be match fit, so you never know what to expect.”
“We’re very excited and we’re not going out to lose. We dare to dream.”
Edgeworth moved to the top of the Northern NSW NPL on the weekend after beating their title rivals Hamilton Olympic 3-1 on the weekend. The win was Edgeworth’s eighth in their past nine matches.
Olympic coach Mick Bolch said that Edgeworth deserve to be title favourites after their performance on the weekend.
“They’re definitely the team to beat,” Bolch said, “They were very sharp the night they knocked us out of the FFA Cup earlier in the year and they deserved their win today. They’re a young side, but they’ve got enough experience.”
