The FFA Cup Round 4 draw took place earlier this week marking the entrance of the Victorian NPL clubs into the knockout competition.
There’s no easy first appearance for last season’s semifinalist South Melbourne FC in this season’s competition, with the Lakesiders drawing an away tie to fellow NPL 1 club Hume City.
South’s neighbours Port Melbourne Sharks were also given a tough assignment with a home tie against fellow NPL 1 club Pascoe Vale FC.
Oakleigh Cannons will fancy their chances of progressing to the next round when they travels a short distance down Warragul Road to take on NPL 2 neighbour Eastern Lions.
Bentleigh Greens and Kingston City have also drawn NPL 2 opposition in Box Hill United and Dandenong City. Kingston City will be mindful of the threat an experienced Dandenong City could pose, remembering that Dandenong pushed South Melbourne Football Club all the way last season in a memorable nine goal thriller cup tie at Lakeside.
The draw has been most favourable to NPL 1 club Northcote City after giving them an away tie against State League 2 club Mazenod Victory FC. Likewise NPL 2 club Brunswick City are warm favourites to progress to the next round after drawing State League 3 club FC Strathmore.
Meanwhile Heidelberg United has automatic progression into the Round of 32 by virtue of winning last year’s national NPL Championship.
The draw appears to be kind to state league 1 clubs Yarraville, Western Suburbs, and Caulfield United Cobras. They have each drawn ties against other state league clubs from lower divisions.
Yarraville hosts State League 2 club Brandon Park, whilst Caulfield United Cobras hosts Boroondara-Carey Eagles.
Western Suburbs travels to State League 2 club Whittlesea United.
Malvern City will host a state league 1 derby against Eltham Redbacks.
The Round 4 FFA Cup matches are scheduled to take place at the end of the month, a week after the state league season commences next weekend. The FFV will release confirmation of dates, times, and venues over the next two weeks.