Magic of the FFA Cup: Re-live Liam Boland’s stunner that knocked out the Mariners

HE scored one of the most memorable goals in FFA Cup history to knock out Central Coast in 2016 and Avondale FC striker Liam Boland has sent a warning to his NSW rivals. WATCH BOLAND’S GOAL HERE.

Liam Boland. Picture: George Salpigtidis

THEY call Liam Boland Mr FFA Cup.

The Avondale FC striker will compete in the national stages of the tournament for the third time when the NPL Victoria club hosts former NSL powerhouse Marconi Stallions.

Boland scored one of the greatest goals in the competition’s short history in 2016 while playing for Green Gully, producing a stunning matchwinner to earn an upset victory over A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners.

The 26-year-old has dared Marconi goalkeeper Nenad Vekic to offer him the same opportunity at Broadmeadows Valley Park.

“If it’s there, I definitely won’t be second guessing myself,” Boland said.

“I believe in myself, so if it’s there I’ll have a dip.”

Avondale FC has enjoyed a meteoric rise to national prominence under coach Anthony Barbieri, competing in State League 3 — the fifth tier of Victorian soccer — as recently as 2012.

Liam Boland was the toast of Green Gully. Picture: Getty

The ambitious club sits third on the NPL table behind Heidelberg United and Bentleigh Greens, but will put its league ambitions on hold tonight.

“It has been such a big achievement for the club in the last decade, coming up from the lower ranks of Victorian football,” Boland said.

“This was our goal at the start of the year, to get to this stage and now that we are here we definitely want to push on with it and make the most of being on the national stage.”

Boland celebrates his goal. Picture: Getty

While it will be making its maiden appearance in the FFA Cup round of 32, Avondale FC boasts several players who have experienced the national stage.

Defenders Dillon Jakupi, Ramazan Tavsancioglu and Ross Archibald, midfielder Evan Christodoulou and Boland have been thrust into the national spotlight at their previous clubs.

“Being there two times before, I know what to expect,” Boland said.

“I think we have got a squad that’s very excited and very prepared for what is coming.”

Scenes at Green Gully Reserve. Picture: Getty

The fixture could feature several ex A-League players, with Jonatan Germano and Joey Katebian in the Avondale squad and Marconi boasting former Socceroo Michael Beauchamp, Sean Rooney, Marc Warren and Marko Jesic.

Kick-off is 7.30pm at Broadmeadows Valley Park.

Fellow NPL Victoria side Port Melbourne Sharks will take on Apia Leichhardt Tigers at JL Murphy Reserve from 7.30pm.