Tigers FC will have the home side advantage, when they take on NPL NSW side APIA Leichhardt in the FFA Cup Round of 32 next month.

“Being drawn first we were quite happy with it,” Tigers FC Head Coach Ryan Grogan said.

“We were hoping for a home game and then to draw APIA gave us the answer to the question we were waiting for, for weeks, so we’re excited by it.

For the first time, the FFA Cup created a ‘Zone’ format for the Round of 32, meaning more local rivalries.

Tigers FC have been placed in the East Zone, with four A-League and seven other Member Federation clubs.

“We were confident that whoever we drew we were going to take it to them,” he said.

“So last night was more about getting it out of the way, and then over the next few weeks focussing on putting together a plan to take them down.”

And that plan involves film.

“I have a fair bit of footage to go through now that we know our opponent, I’ve watched a fair bit of APIA over the last couple of years having previously been in the NSW NPL,” Grogan said.

“I know they’re a good side, they’re a good club, they’ve been quite successful over the last five, six, seven years, so it’s going to be a good challenge and we’re looking forward to it.”

After reaching their objective of getting past the Cup qualifiers, Captain Nathen Megic said it’s a great achievement for the club.

“We started off in Cooma and now we’re on the national stage so it’s a good story to tell the grandchildren.

“The home ground advantage is a huge one, with the home crowd behind you it really lifts you so we’re excited”

The date, time and location for the clash will be confirmed in the coming days.