Heidelberg United summoned great strength to earn another historic result in the Australia Cup for Melbourne’s Greek-based clubs, overcoming Central Coast Mariners to seal their place in the Round of 16.
“Alexandros” secured a famous win over the reigning champions on Wednesday night, defeating them 3-1 after extra time at Olympic Village to make it a trio of upsets from Greek clubs against A-League opposition in the Round of 32.
Heidelberg opened the scoring late into the first half when Joshua Pin converted his penalty (44′), lifting the spirits of all their supporters in attendance.
The Mariners made it level soon after the break as Mikael Doka’s deflected effort found its way into the back of the net (52′), with the contest eventually going into extra time.
Pin managed to restore the hosts’ lead in the 104th minute with a strike that took a deflection on its way into the goal.
“Alexandros” then sealed the victory in the 120+1st minute when a failed kick forward by goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic led to a rapid counter-attack that was finished off by winger Sean Ellis.
Heidelberg’s win is arguably the most impressive upset of the round as they beat a Central Coast outfit that won the treble last season (A-League, Australia Cup and the AFC Cup).
Olympic FC also earned an impressive win in extra time, downing NPL NSW side APIA Leichhardt 1-0 at Goodwin Park to advance to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2019.
The Queensland club scored what proved to be the winning goal in the 96th minute, thanks to a strike from Linden Farr, completing a clean sweep for the Hellenic background sides in the Round of 32.
The Round of 16 will see a couple of all-Greek affairs as Oakleigh Cannons battle Heidelberg United and South Melbourne hosts Olympic FC, meaning we are guaranteed to have two Hellenic sides feature in the quarter-finals.
