FFA Cup: Avondale FC set for Round of 32 showdown with former NSL powerhouse Marconi Stallions
HISTORY will count for little when Avondale FC makes its first appearance on the national stage in the FFA Cup against former National Soccer League powerhouse Marconi Stallions.
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HISTORY will count for little when Avondale FC makes its first appearance on the national stage in the FFA Cup against former National Soccer League powerhouse Marconi Stallions.
The Avengers have been one of the fairytale stories of Victorian soccer in the past six years, rising from State League 3 to become a contender for the National Premier League title.
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In stark contrast, Marconi boasts four NSL titles and its current squad consists of former A-League players Marc Warren, Sean Rooney, Marko Jesic, Mateo Poljak and Michael Beauchamp.
Central defender Beauchamp featured 22 times for the Socceroos, with his last appearance coming while Avondale was still battling away in the Victorian state leagues.
Coach Anthony Barbieri has been one of the architects of Avondale FC’s growth and recognises the significance of the Round of 32 fixture for the club.
“I liken it to a cup final for us,” Barbieri said.
“It will be a tough game and it’s a one-off game. Who knows what is going to happen on the night, but the boys will be looking forward to it.”
Marconi sits mid-table in NPL NSW, while the Avengers are third in NPL Victoria behind Heidelberg United and Bentleigh Greens.
“We are the new kids on the block and it’s a tough test and challenge for us,” Barbieri said. “But we are really looking forward to it.”
Avondale FC will not be daunted by the challenge and has attacking threats such as Liam Boland and Kaine Sheppard who will test the resolve of Marconi’s defence.
Boland scored one of the greatest goals in the short history of the FFA Cup for Green Gully in 2016, earning the NPL club a famous win over Central Coast Mariners.
Sheppard and Boland have combined for 23 league goals this year.
“All the forwards are confidence players,” Barbieri said.
“When they are scoring goals, their confidence is high and you can see the way (Boland) is going about his football at the minute, he’s quite high on confidence.”
Avondale FC defeated Werribee City, FC Bulleen Lions, North Sunshine Eagles and Richmond to qualify for the national stages.
Kick-off is 7.30pm on Wednesday at Broadmeadows Valley Park.
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