Palm Beach drawing inspiration from previous Sharks sides in FFA Cup run

PALM Beach’s proud history of FFA Cup success is inspiring the class of 2019 as they prepare for another do-or-die encounter in Round 6.

PALM Beach’s proud history of FFA Cup success is inspiring the class of 2019 as they prepare for another do-or-die encounter in Round 6.

The Sharks were forced to do it the hard way in Round 5 on Saturday night, downing Nambour Yandina United 6-4 in extra time at Duncan McKenna Field after scores were locked at 3-3 at the end of 90 minutes.

DEFEAT CAN’T DENT DARK HORSES’ BELIEF

The hosts, who were without key players Simon Bradley and Dan Smith, had surrendered 2-0 and 3-1 leads before Josh Squires came to the rescue with two goals in extra time.

The club’s now-defunct NPL side was no stranger to cup success, reaching the quarterfinals in 2014 and 2017 (as Gold Coast City) either side of a Round of 16 appearance in 2015.

Jonathon Camilleri in action for Palm Beach in the 2014 FFA Cup. Picture: Kit Wise

With the Sharks also sitting inside the Gold Coast Premier League’s top four, midfielder Harry Liebke said those past cup heroics had not been forgotten by the current crop.

“Palm Beach has a pretty big reputation when it comes to FFA Cup, we’ve had a lot of success in the past with the NPL sides and we’re trying to continue that. We want to continue to build and grow our young squad and see just how far we can go,” the 21-year-old said.

WARRIORS BWPL STARLET RUNS RIOT

“We have been having a pretty successful season in the Gold Coast Premier League but at the same time we’re really pushing ourselves to see how far we can go with our young squad on the national scene.

“Being able to prove ourselves not only locally, but in Queensland now (is important), and hopefully we can make it through the next round. That would be great for everyone’s confidence and having a young squad, there’s no better experience than playing in the FFA Cup.

A Ferdinand Annor goal sealed Coomera’s 6-5 win over Redlands United. Picture: Richard Gosling

“Those games are do or die where you must win, everyone’s building in confidence and getting experience in senior games. The sky’s the limit.”

Coomera also needed extra time against NPL outfit Redlands United, coming back from a 4-1 halftime deficit to prevail 6-5 at Viney Park thanks to a stunning late free kick from Ferdinand Annor.

TEEN FALLEMBU FLYING WITH THE EAGLES

The draw for Round 6 will be conducted later this month.

FFA CUP ROUND 5

■ Palm Beach def. Nambour Yandina United 6-4 (extra-time) at Duncan McKenna Field

■ Surfers Paradise def. Grange Thistle 5-1 at Lex Bell Oval

■ Burleigh Heads def. Western Pride 3-1

■ Coomera def. Redlands United 6-5 (extra-time) at Viney Park

■ Tuesday 8pm – Gold Coast Knights vs. Sunshine Coast Wanderers at Ballinger Park