Premier League table-topper West Adelaide faces battling Western Strikers in Federation Cup semi-final

WEST Adelaide coach Joel Porter says league form will matter little when his high-flying side clashes with Western Strikers in ­the Federation Cup semi-final.

WEST Adelaide coach Joel Porter says league form will matter little when his high-flying side clashes with Premier League strugglers Western Strikers in ­tomorrow night’s Federation Cup semi-final.

West sits four points clear at the top of the table heading in to the Adelaide Shores clash while Strikers are 13th, one point adrift of safety. Porter said his side had to work hard to snatch a 3-1 win when the teams met in the league at Carnegie ­Reserve last month.

The former Socceroos striker said his players needed to match that intensity to earn the right to face traditional rival Adelaide City in this month’s final at Hindmarsh Stadium.

“Strikers were difficult and it wasn’t an easy game,” said Porter, who took over from Ross Aloisi last month.

“They created a few chances and defended really well and we had to be on top of our game to get the victory.

“Being a cup game it’s a one off so they’re going to come out twice as hard and we’ve got to be ready for it.”

West have enjoyed an impressive return to SA’s top flight after storming to the State League title on the back of a 30-match unbeaten run last season.

Their cup form has been equally consistent, disposing of Adelaide Cobras (1-0), Western Toros (4-1) and Para Hills (4-1) to put the club within touching distance of its first league and Federation Cup double.

A cup victory would also see the former NSL giant qualify for the inaugural FFA Cup giving it the chance to again rub shoulders with the elite of Australian soccer.

“It’s a great incentive and a chance for my players to play against the best players in Australia,” Porter said.

“We’ve got fantastic boys in this team that probably could play at a higher level.

“We’re obviously a long way off that (the cup final) ... but the chance to get West Adelaide back on the national stage is a fantastic opportunity and we’re taking it very seriously.”

Strikers meanwhile endured a horror start to their campaign, picking up just one win from their first eight league matches.

The cup has offered welcome relief as they have seen off Sturt Lions (4-1), Modbury (3-2) and West Torrens Birkalla (2-0) on the way to the semis.

Coach Frank Tibaldi will look to joint leading scorers Alemayo Kebede and Adrian D’Alfonso (five goals each) to take the 2011 cup winner to another final. The Federation Cup semi-final will be held at Adelaide Shores, West Beach, on Wednesday, at 7pm.