Amateur soccer league side Elizabeth Downs hopeful of hosting FFA Cup SA match at home

Elizabeth Downs is hopeful of hosting its FFA Cup SA quarter-final at its Argana Park home after a FFSA ruling over a fencing issue that threatened the match with being played elsewhere.

Elizabeth Downs’ Matt Watson and James Greaves of Elizabeth Vale pose with the FFA Cup SA prior to the round-of-16. Picture: Mark Brake

• One amateur club loses 10-0, another progresses
• Tough FFA Cup task for Elizabeth Downs

Amateur club Elizabeth Downs is hopeful of hosting its FFA Cup SA quarter-final at its Argana Park home.

This follows a Football Federation SA ruling over a fencing issue that threatened the match with being played elsewhere.

The reigning Sunday Premier champion drew National Premier Leagues heavyweight MetroStars on Tuesday after dumping State League Two side Vipers out of the round-of-16.

But FFSA rules state to be able to host a fixture from the quarter-finals onwards of the cup competition a club’s ground must be fenced – which Argana Park is not.

Join us at 11am for the live stream of the FFA Cup SA quarter-final draw from Football Federation South Australia headquarters at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Posted by The Advertiser Sport on Monday, 6 May 2019

The alternative could have been to move the game to MetroStars’ TK Shutter Reserve at Klemzig and rob Downs of its home-ground advantage.

Playford Council then stepped in to fund a temporary fence and allow the match to be played at Argana Park on either May 21 or 22.

The fixture is yet to be confirmed. Final details were expected to be released by the end of this week.

An FFSA spokesman said it was working with the council and Elizabeth Downs “to give them the best opportunity to host the match”.

Club secretary Russell Miller said hundreds of fans would attend the match at Downs, providing the club with crucial bar and canteen sales.

“Hosting the match at Argana Park would be fantastic and Playford Council has been great to help erect a temporary fence for the match,” Miller said.

Matt Watson from Elizabeth Downs and former MetroStars player Liam Wooding with the FFA Cup SA last year. Picture: AAP/Matt Loxton.

“It looked like we would have to play at MetroStars or elsewhere but it’s turned into a good news story.

“It will be great for the club and the area if we can play the match at home.

“We want to represent the amateur league and get as far in the competition as possible.”

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the council was proud to have supported Downs to be able to host the quarter-final.

“For minimal investment, we’ve given one of our best local sporting ambassadors a chance to play this match on home territory and make the most of a fantastic opportunity to become the first amateur league club through to the FFA Cup SA semi-finals,” Docherty said.

“The City of Playford understands the value of sport in producing a healthy and happy community and this match is just another example of the council supporting our clubs to be the best they can be.”

Elizabeth Downs defeated Vipers 4-1 last Sunday at Argana Park to progress to the quarter- finals.

Scott Lindsay, Matt Watson, Luke Lawley and Dylan Costanzo got on the scoresheet for the hosts.

FFA CUP SA – QUARTER-FINALS

■ Croydon Kings v Adelaide City

■ Adelaide Comets v Raiders

■ Elizabeth Downs v MetroStars

■ Adelaide Victory v Adelaide Olympic