[Image: Paul Smith]
Brisbane Strikers threatened another famous Westfield FFA Cup upset but ultimately joined Redlands United in exiting at the Round of 16 on Wednesday night.
Tim Cahill debuted for Melbourne City at a sold-out Perry Park but it was Bruno Fornaroli who did the damage, scoring twice from the penalty spot to snatch a 2-1 win for the Hyundai A-League club.
Credit goes to the @BneStrikers tonight. Showed a lot of quality and pushed us all the way. Good luck for the rest of the @nplqld season!
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) August 24, 2016
Scottish defender Greig Henslee delighted the 3,571-strong crowd with a shock opener after half an hour, before the Strikers veteran felled Nick Fitzgerald at the other end to allow Fornaroli to equalise from the spot.
The home side had their opportunities but were unable to recover after Fornaroli dispatched his second penalty in the 77th minute.
Redlands United, who made national headlines with their defeat of Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United, suffered a similar fate to Strikers as two penalties ended their campaign away to Canberra Olympic.
Congratulations to @COFC1956 – worthy victors at home. Best of luck in the @FFACup Quarter Finals ? #FFACup #COLvRED
— Redlands United FC (@RedlandsUTD) August 24, 2016
Canberra goalkeeper Angelo Konstantinou put the visitors ahead from the spot inside 15 minutes following Michael McGowan’s foul.
Despite remaining in the contest until the death, Redlands’ cinderella story ended when Robert Cattanach added another for the home side in the third minute of stoppage time.
While the defeats signal the end of Queensland’s involvement in this year’s Cup, the night did end on a high for Strikers as Greig Henslee’s goal earned the club $2,500 courtesy of NAB.
Greig Henslee’s goal netted @BneStrikers $2500 thanks to Jonny San Martin from @NAB. #GoldenGoal #MagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/dVSv6vWAkX
— Westfield FFA Cup (@FFACup) August 24, 2016
