Croydon Kings takes on Adelaide City in tonight’s Federation Cup semi-final at Adelaide Shores

CROYDON coach Mark Bra­zzale says tonight’s Federation Cup semi-final with Adelaide City will indicate whether his side can turn a promising start into silverware this season.

Adelaide City’s Nic Bucco will aim to shoot down Croydon in tonight’s Federation Cup semi

CROYDON coach Mark Bra­zzale says tonight’s Federation Cup semi-final with Adelaide City will indicate whether his side can turn a promising start into silverware this season.

The Kings are this year’s surprise packet, sitting third on the Premier League table.

But Brazzale said the knockout clash with the cup holder at Adelaide Shores would be a “massive test”.

“Our season started OK and we’re having our ups and downs but there’s a long way to go,” the former West Adelaide and Adelaide City midfielder said.

“We’ve set ourselves up in a good position, but whether we’re good enough (to win a trophy) time will tell.

“For my boys this semi-final is a test to see where we are at this time of the year.”

The semi-final will see two of SA’s hottest goalscorers go head-to-head with Croydon’s Shaun McGreevy (12 goals) facing City’s Nic Bucco (10 goals).

The Kings advanced to the last four thanks to a lone Andreas Weins strike in last Wednesday night’s 1-0 quarter-final win over State League side the Cove.

Despite the narrow victory, Brazzale remained confident his side would provide stiff opposition for the 16-time cup winner City.

“Cup matches are always going to be a difficult task, no matter what club you’re playing.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a quarter-final or a semi-final cup games are 50/50 games.

“I believe anybody can beat anybody on any given day.”

Croydon has won six Federation Cups — five of which as Polonia — with the last title coming in 2000.

Brazzale said making the May 31 Hindmarsh Stadium final and battling for a spot in the inaugural FFA Cup was incentive for the club.

“I think it’s fantastic for the FFA to put this together to give the minnows like us the chance to compete against A-League clubs,” he said.

“As footballers and coaches you go out to play for trophies and we’d love to have a shot at it, but first we’ve got a massive game against Adelaide City.”

The Federation Cup semi-final between Croydon Kings and Adelaide City kicks off at 7pm tonight at Adelaide Shores Football Complex, West Beach Rd, West Beach.