The Quarter-Final Nike FC Cup matches have been confirmed after today’s fixture draw, with four massive matches of knockout football coming our way.
Here are the four matchups to look forward to:
- Alamein FC vs Essendon Royals FC
- Bentleigh Greens vs South Melbourne FC
- FC Clifton Hill vs Heidelberg United FC
- Box Hill United FC vs FC Bulleen Lions
Alamein have looked strong in their two Cup matches so far, knocking off VPLW side Bundoora United 3-0 in Round 4 before taking care of Craigieburn City 4-1.
But they have drawn the form side in the Senol NPLW, Essendon Royals, who currently sit atop the ladder and have conceded just one goal in their two Nike FC Cup matches.
While it’s been a tough first half of the season for Bentleigh Greens in the NPLW, they have been able to get up for the midweek cup matches, beating Beaumaris and Seaford United without conceding a goal.
They face a seriously stacked South Melbourne side who have their sights set on back-to-back Nike FC Cup titles and have had the wood on the Greens in their two league meetings so far this season, winning both matches by a combined seven goals to one.
FC Clifton Hill have been one of the most exciting sides to watch so far in the Cup, beating fellow VPLW side Brunswick Juventus in a 3-2 extra time thriller, thumping Kings Domain 11-0 in Round 4 and stunning the Preston Lions 2-1 at Genis Steel Stadium.
They’ll fancy themselves against a Heidelberg side who seem to be searching for an identity coming into the pointy end of the season. After dropping fellow NPLW foes Avondale 3-1 in Round 4, they outlasted Caroline Springs George Cross in a 10-goal shootout in the last round.
Our final matchup is a belter between two of the best sides in the state in Box Hill United and Bulleen Lions.
The reigning NPLW champions Box Hill will take plenty of confidence into this one after two tough wins against Boroondara and Melbourne City in Rounds 4 and 5.
They’ll take on a Bulleen side who are yet to concede in the Cup so far and will be keen for a shot at silverware in 2026.
Watch the Nike FC Cup Quarter Finals Draw
These four fixtures can be played between Tuesday June 23 and Thursday June 25 or the nights between Tuesday June 30 and Thursday July 2.
The run to the Steph Catley Plate Final was also confirmed during today’s draw, with Caroline Springs George Cross FC in the box seat to go back-to-back after being drawn to go straight through to the Final.
They will take on the winner of the qualifying match between Craigieburn City FC and Beaumaris SC.
All matches, including the Steph Catley Plate Qualifier and Final, will be streamed live on the Football Victoria YouTube channel and all match details will be confirmed in the coming days.