FFA Cup soccer: Avondale FC claims historic win over Marconi Stallions in Round of 32

AVONDALE FC capped a historic FFA Cup national stage debut with a 4-1 victory over former NSL powerhouse Marconi Stallions on Wednesday.

Liam Boland of Avondale FC celebrates his converted penalty during the FFA Cup Round of 32 match between Avondale FC and the Marconi Stallions at ABD Stadium in Melbourne, Wednesday, July 25, 2018. (AAP Image/George Salpigtidis) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

AVONDALE FC capped a historic FFA Cup national stage debut with a 4-1 victory over former NSL powerhouse Marconi Stallions on Wednesday.

The Avengers — who were playing in Victoria’s provisional leagues as recently as 2006 — were far superior for much of the Round of 32 contest at Broadmeadows Valley Park.

AVONDALE FC’S ‘MR FFA CUP’ BOLAND PRIMED FOR SPOTLIGHT

“It’s something we had ambitions for and we knew we could do it,” Avondale skipper Phil Riccobene said.

The hosts ran the Stallions ragged, triumphing thanks to goals from Kaine Sheppard, Joey Katebian, Liam Boland and Evan Christodoulou.

Liam Boland celebrates burying Avondale FC’s third goal from the penalty spot. Picture: George Salpigtidis.

Sheppard found the back of the net after just two minutes, turning expertly at the top of the box before firing past Nenad Vekic.

The advantage was short-lived as a deflected strike from James Andrew brought Marconi level three minutes later and the teams went to the break locked at 1-1.

Avondale FC dominated the opening exchanges of the second period as Boland hammered a right-footed drive against the crossbar and Katebian shot just wide of the left upright.

Avondale FC celebrates Joey Katebian’s goal which put it 2-1 ahead. Picture: Getty Images.

The Avengers’ overwhelming possession and territory was rewarded when Katebian fired a shot from the right flank across Vekic and into the bottom left corner to restore the hosts’ one-goal cushion.

The result was put beyond doubt when Boland was brought down in the penalty area and converted a spot kick, giving his side a 3-1 lead with less than 20 minutes to play.

It was party time in the dying stages when a perfect back heel from Boland released midfielder Evan Christodoulou, who shot emphatically past Vekic to ice the result.

Liam Boland hammers a shot at goal during Avondale FC’s victory. Picture: Getty Images.

“The club in the last nine years has come (through) six divisions,” Riccobene said.

“(The win) was the start of something for Avondale and a lot of people that are involved in the club has put a lot of hard work into it. It was great to get the result.”

Meanwhile, Port Melbourne Sharks went down 1-0 against Apia Liechardt Tigers.

Avondale players celebrate the club’s progression to the FFA Cup Round of 16. Picture: Getty Images.