Heidelberg United successfully navigated the Mt Druitt Town Rangers challenge, booking a quarter-finals appointment with Melbourne Knights.
“Alexandros” downed the NPL NSW side 0-3 at their home in Popondetta Park on Wednesday night, making it the fourth time they have reached the final eight of the Australia Cup.
The Victorian outfit started the match very well and managed to go ahead in the fifth minute, thanks to a beautiful free kick delivery from winger Sean Ellis which was headed in by striker Kaine Sheppard.
“Megas Alexandros” made it two after Sheppard released a shot that goalkeeper Dylan Niski parried onto the left post, with the ball deflecting into the path of midfielder Eoin Ashton for an easy tap-in (40′).
The travellers wrapped up the contest with a 90+1st minute strike from substitute Aamir Abdallah, who guided the ball into the bottom left.
Heidelberg manager George Katsakis was left satisfied with the outcome, especially with the way in which the match played out much as they had hoped.
“We came into the match with a clear game plan. The first 20 minutes went as we hoped, getting that early goal,” coach Katsakis said post-match.
The coach elaborated how they dropped off after the break to make Mt Druitt come to them more.
“In the second half, we wanted to let them run the ball in the areas we were comfortable and then get them on the counter to find a third goal which indeed happened… We got the result we wanted.”
“Alexandros” drew fellow NPL Victoria side Melbourne Knights in the quarters which is a far more manageable assignment than facing an A-League outfit, though Mr Katsakis stressed that they have no problem facing any team in the latter stages of the Cup.
“Obviously, we would be better matched against an NPL side. Truthfully, we don’t mind who we play from here on out,” he said.
Heidelberg United President Steve Tsalikidis heaped praise on the staff and players for their efforts and sacrifices to help them go deep into the competition.
“I want to thank George and the team because they played very well today. We are now in the final eight but I hope that we can go even further,” Tsalikidis said post-match.
“It’s very important to acknowledge them because these players are playing for free in these games. They are strictly playing for Alexandros from the heart. This is very important and many people do not know that.”
The president also expressed sincere gratitude to the number of “Alexandros” fans that came from Melbourne to cheer on the team.
“They paid out of their pockets for flights to come and support the club. Maybe we have a sickness, but we can’t deny that we have great fan support for the team.”
