Cairns FC are the second Queensland club through to the FFA Cup Round of 16, following a 4-0 victory over Armadale FC at Barlow Park last night.
Goals from Jamie Carroll, Josh Taylor, Bronson Koppen and Crios O’Hare sealed the win in front of 821 fans, which included a strong contingent of travelling supporters.
Neither side could make an impact in the match’s early stages and it took a red card to Armadale defender Beau Rahim in the 17th match to spark both sides into action.
After a goalless first half, Cairns started the second 45 minutes with more intent and Carroll opened the scoring with a tidy finish in the 53rd minute.
Taylor, currently second in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland Golden Boot tally, made it 2-0 with a header ten minutes later, before strikes from Koppen and O’Hare sealed the historic victory for Cairns.
The draw for the FFA Cup Round of 16 will take place next week, with the fixtures to be played on two match nights between 21 August and 29 August.
Fellow NPL Queensland clubs Lions FC and Olympic FC battled it out last week for a spot in the final 16, the Richlands-based club emerging victorious in a dramatic 3-2 win, while Gold Coast Premier League’s Gold Coast Knights host Hyundai A-League Grand Finalists Newcastle Jets at CBUS Super Stadium next Tuesday, 7 August for their chance to progress.
Cairns FC face Western Pride this Saturday, 4 August at Briggs Road Sporting Complex in Round 23 of the NPL Queensland.
Images: Pine Creek Photography