Moreland Zebras suffer crushing loss in NPL2 playoff, turn attention to FFA Cup quarter-final against Brisbane Strikers

Moreland Zebras will need to bounce back mentally and physically for their FFA Cup quarter-final clash against Brisbane Strikers after a gut-wrenching NPL2 playoff defeat to Bulleen Lions.

Ben Everson gets a kick away under pressure from Cam Watson.

Moreland Zebras’ NPL1 promotion hopes have come to a shattering end.

After missing direct promotion by just two points, the Zebras suffered a gut-wrenching extra-time defeat to Bulleen Lions in the second-place playoff.

The Lions equalised through a 91st-minute penalty and a 103rd-minute penalty sealed victory for the NPL2 East club and a shot at Dandenong Thunder for a spot in the state’s top flight.

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The Zebras have turned their attention to Wednesday night’s FFA Cup quarter-final against Brisbane Strikers in Brisbane.

Coach Fausto de Amicis was shattered by the playoff defeat, believing his side had been denied two penalties, but was confident the Zebras were capable of continuing their Cinderella Cup run.

“Extremely sad … that last four minutes, it was a little disappointing that tackle, looking back, a senior player would never do that again,” de Amicis said.

Moreland Zebras coach Fausto De Amicis. Picture: Josie Hayden

“Unfortunately, it turned the game, brought them back into it, because apart from the two penalties the team didn’t feel threatened at all.

“There was handball in the box, referee played that on, and then there was definitely a penalty after they scored their two when Liam Cannell was brought down by the goalkeeper.

“We are coming up against a great side … I’ve watched a couple of games and the Strikers have got very good strikers.

“Right now, I would swap the FFA Cup for a (league) championship, no problem … (but) I’d like the come back with a good result, that would be a little bit of consolation for a great season.”

The Zebras finished two points behind St Albans in NPL2 West, narrowly missing out on direct promotion.

The club lost just five games in the league but de Amicis said eight draws — four more than St Albans — had ultimately proved costly.

Moreland Zebras players celebrate their Round of 32 win over Magpies Crusaders.

Combining the league, FFA Cup and Dockerty Cup, Moreland has played 35 games this season.

De Amicis conceded the campaign had taken a toll on his players.

“The boys are tired, there’s no doubt about that. It’s been a long season,” he said.

“Unfortunately because of the points system, the league doesn’t allow you to have enough players to rotate.

“This is only my opinion but I truly believe we were the best footballing side in the NPL2 this season.

“At the end of the day results speak for themselves … St Albans just kept persisting until the final minute and credit to them.”