Para Hills hosts rival Modbury in tonight’s FFA Cup action

FORMER Para Hills player Mark Harvey has described the Knights’ rivalry with Modbury as a “love-hate relationship” ahead of tonight’s FFA Cup derby.

MARK Harvey describes Para Hills’ rivalry with neighbour Modbury as a “love-hate relationship”.

“Because we grew up knowing a lot of the (Jets) players, we didn’t actually hate them, we just loved to beat them,” the former Knights centre back says.

“Both clubs were formed about the same time and the rivalry was drilled into us because you could see the passion the older guys around both clubs had.

“Until you’ve played in one of these derbys you don’t really know what they are like.”

Para Hills and Modbury will lock horns again tonight from 7.30pm at the Paddocks in the second round of FFA Cup qualifying.

Both clubs have struggled in the Premier League this season with the Knights bottom and the newly-promoted Jets 12th.

Harvey, who featured in about a dozen derbys in the old SA first division in the 1980s, says the knockout fixture will be a welcome distraction for two sides desperate to avoid relegation.

“Para Hills are struggling this season in the league, but to knock out Modbury would be special,” Harvey, now 50, says.

“As a player, a local derby like this should bring something else out in you.”

Dave Crowl lined up for Modbury against Para Hills for the first time as a nervous 17 year old in 1999.

The midfielder, who left the Jets in 2011, says the rivalry is instilled in players from a young age.

“You knew it just wasn’t a normal game, it was Para Hills,” Crowl, now 33, says.

“There were always more nerves in the week leading up to the game and everyone was pumped.

“There’s usually some mind games going on out on the pitch as well as a few cards flying around.”

Modbury’s Dave Crowl and Paul Reilly, and Para Hills’ Matt Marchioro and Mark Harvey get ready for tonight’s FFA Cup clash. Picture: Noelle Bobrige

Modbury progressed to round two of the cup with a penalty shootout win away to Eastern United earlier this month, while Para Hills had a first round bye.

The cup clash comes a week before the two sides meet again in a crucial league match at Jet Park.

“Both teams haven’t been travelling too well in the league, but in the cup they’ll just be able to go out there and play,” Crowl says.

“They’re always tough games right down to the last minute and you know both teams will fight it out to the final whistle.”

White City hosts State League side Salisbury United in tonight’s other cup fixture.

A clash of former National Soccer League rivals is the standout tie tomorrow.

Traditional enemies Adelaide City and West Adelaide will meet at Adelaide City Park from 2.30pm.

The knockout contest is a repeat of last year’s cup final which the Black and Whites won 4-1.

Collegiate League side Unley Old Scholars’ reward for their round one win over Barmera United is a clash with top flight Adelaide Comets at Adelaide Shores.

The Rangers are the lowest ranked SA side left in the competition.

Reigning Premier League champion Croydon will hope to end the giant-killing run of Apollo at Polonia Reserve.

The Mount Gambier club pulled off the shock of the round when it beat State League side Cumberland United 1-0 earlier this month.

MetroStars host South Adelaide and second-tier leader Adelaide Victory is at home to Sturt Lions.

Pirates take on Raiders in an all Premier League clash on Sunday.

The winner of the SA competition qualifies for the FFA Cup round of 32 where it will be drawn against A-League clubs and state league sides from across Australia.