Photos: Paul Seeley (The Man In The Stands)
Six teams from State League 5 are dreaming big this weekend as they enter Round 3 of the FFA Cup.
Deakin University, East Kew, Glen Waverley, Glenroy, Bundoora United and Maidstone will fly the flag for State League 5 clubs after progressing against opposition from higher divisions.
East Kew and Glen Waverley were impressive with wins over State League 4 opposition, while Glenroy Lions were forced into extra time against fellow State League 5 opponents Moonee Valley Knights 4-3.
There were two teams that managed to defeat opponents from State League Division 3. Bundoora United had a massive 7-0 win over Diamond Valley United, five different goal-scorers and two own goals gave the “Bundy’s” an easy progression into the next round where they will face Old Scotch this weekend.
And the team with perhaps the most unique name in the FFA Cup, the Deakin Ducks claimed the scalp of State League 3 side Bayside Argonauts 2-1. The University side won their third consecutive tie against the highly fancied opponents.
They have already accounted for Old Trinity in the Qualifying Round, Tatura in round 1 and Bayside last weekend. Their biggest challenge yet comes this weekend as they take on State League 2 opposition Mill Park.
Head Coach Colin Raj, who has been with the club for almost ten years and joined when they were a Sunday league team, says it’s by far the biggest moment in their short history.
“We have never got past the first round of the FFA Cup. Last week was an incredible experience. Playing against State League 3 opposition was something we have never experienced before. We just tried to keep things tight at the back and we managed to score one from a set piece and another on the counter-attack. We also have our goalkeeper Ben Lewin to thank as he pulled off some amazing saves to keep us in the game.”
As with every FFA Cup story, there were hero’s all over the park for the winners. One of them was Duck’s striker Marcus Lindeberg, who played the last 30 minutes with a broken rib.
“I was wondering why he was labouring towards the end of the game, and it turned out he had broken a rib. It was an incredible effort and summed up the courage he has and the determination that’s in our squad.” Raj said
The coach said there may have been a few refreshments consumed on the almost 2-hour bus trip home last weekend, but he was glad to be back home to face Mill Park this weekend.
There will be plenty of University students there to cheer along the team with perhaps the most unique name in Victorian football.
All Round 3 FFA Cup Victoria ties will be played across the weekend of 12-14 March.
The draw for Round 4 of the FFA Cup will occur on Monday 22 March and can be viewed on FV’s Facebook page. Round 4 FFA Cup matches are scheduled for the weekend of 2-5 April.