Brisbane Strikers are through to the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 for the second time but won’t be joined by FNQ Heat as Queensland clubs endured mixed fortunes on Wednesday night.
Strikers completely outclassed Rovers Darwin in the Northern Territory, powering home three goals in six first-half minutes before doubling their advantage after the restart for a comprehensive 6-0 win.
The six-goal margin equalled the highest ever Final Rounds victory since the competition’s introduction in 2014.
Watch out Monsoons, @BneStrikers are in party mode! ???? #SplendourVibes #TunesTho #FFACup #DARvSTR #MagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/ePmpIzyjI7
— Westfield FFA Cup (@FFACup) July 27, 2016
It was a different story in Cairns, though, as Heat struggled to replicate their PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues form in falling 3-0 to Northern NSW side Edgeworth Eagles.
In their first home match in three years, Heat fell a goal behind after half an hour and failed to recover as former Hyundai A-League Golden Boot winner Daniel McBreen added one of two late strikes.
The Cairns club now turn their attention back to league matters, where they remain first with four matches to play.
Another decent crowd with a 1379-strong in Cairns!! Great stuff Australia! More than 4500 on a Wed! #FNQvEDG #FFACup pic.twitter.com/dMFU3np40T
— Westfield FFA Cup (@FFACup) July 27, 2016
Strikers, meanwhile, must wait for the remainder of the Round of 32 ties to conclude before learning whether they draw a first Westfield FFA Cup home fixture.
Queensland’s two other qualifiers will be in action next Wednesday night when Redlands United host Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United in the broadcast match, while Surfers Paradise debut away to Canberra Olympic.
Brisbane Roar complete the state’s involvement in the Round of 32 against Perth Glory at Ballymore Stadium on Wednesday, 10 August.