Brisbane Strikers will return to the FFA Cup Round of 16 stage for the third time on Wednesday night as they welcome Manly United to Perry Park.
After previous appearances in the Round of 16 in 2014 and 2016, the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland side will host the NPL NSW team after securing an upset victory against Wellington Phoenix in the Round of 32.
Manly United meanwhile created club history in their Round of 32 win, to progress to the FFA Cup Round of 16 for the first time ever.
Both Brisbane Strikers and Manly United booked their Round of 16 spot in dramatic fashion as both sides recorded penalty shootout victories last round.
The team from Sydney’s Northern beaches will travel north for Wednesday night’s clash after previously being knocked out of the cup competition in the Round of 32 on two occasions against NPL NSW teams – in 2014 and in 2016.
Having already gone one better this year, Manly United will no doubt be hungry to take their FFA Cup campaign as far as they can this year with the NPL Queensland side now their next hurdle.
In their cup run so far, Manly United have faced three different NPL NSW oppositions, including Mt Druitt Rangers in their Round of 32 match.
Scores were locked at 1-1 at full time after a close battle, before two more goals in extra time kept the teams level at 2-2 to send the game to penalties.
Manly goalkeeper Dylan Mitchell was the hero of the night, making two saves in the penalty shootout to help his side to their first ever Round of 16 appearance as Charles Mendy slotted home the winning penalty to seal the deal.
Manly United coach Paul Dee said his side were looking forward to taking on a Queensland opposition in the Round of 16.
“This match against Brisbane is a huge night for Manly United and a great opportunity for the club to progress to the quarter finals of the FFA Cup,” Dee said.
“The FFA Cup has been a shining light in Australian football in recent years and for us to be in the final 16, playing against a former NSL Champion for a spot in the quarter finals is massive.”
NPL Queensland side Brisbane Strikers meanwhile recorded an upset victory in their Round of 32 match, defeating Hyundai A-League side Wellington Phoenix on penalties to book their spot in the Round of 16 for a third time.
Keeper Bon Scott proved the hero for the hosts, saving an extra time penalty that looked sure to secure the win for the A-League visitors, before going on to make another penalty save in the ensuing shootout.
After sending Wellington Phoenix packing last round, Strikers will fancy their chances against the NPL NSW side in their Round of 16 match.
MATCH DETAILS
Brisbane Strikers v Manly United FC
Wednesday, 28 August, 7:30pm
Perry Park
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READ: Magpies Crusaders bow out of FFA Cup against Moreland Zebras in Round of 16
Image: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
