Our local Football South Coast sides continued their exceptional record in the FFA Cup with impressive wins for Wollongong United and Bulli on Wednesday night.

Granville Rage vs Wollongong United

Wollongong United ventured to Garside Park to face NPL3 outfit Granville Rage. The Illawarra Premier League giants have enjoyed a strong start to the season highlighted by retaining the Fraternity Cup on Easter Monday with a solid win over Corrimal Rangers. United had the best possible start when Daisuke Yuzawa turned his defender and blasted home in the opening 2 minutes to put his side ahead, the goal continuing an exceptional start to his season. The lead was pegged back in the 20th minute when the Rage converted a free kick from just outside the box, but United stayed in the arm wrestle creating a majority of the chances in the opening half.

In the second half United regained the ascendancy through offseason recruit Mikal Awad who showed his ability, evading two defenders before rifling his shot into the top corner from outside the box. United finished off the tie with Zac Mclaren getting on the end of a cross to tuck the ball into the next from the edge of the six-yard box. The 3-1 result a fair reflection of a dominant second half performances from the FSC side.

United will now host the winner of St George FA and Hills Brumbies in the 6th round. A win in this match could set up a tie with NPL outfit Sutherland Sharks or fellow FSC club Kemblawarra Fury for a place in the national draw.

North Epping Rangers vs Bulli

Bulli travelled to North Epping Oval to face North Epping Rangers of the Gladesville Hornsby FA Premier League. The team currently on top of the IPL started strong but went behind after 10 minutes to a penalty in the Ranger's first attack of the match. Bulli continued to dominate the field position but struggled to create clear-cut chances leaving the score at 1-0 going into halftime.

Bulli had produced two spectacular comebacks in their last two league games and they needed another if they were to progress to the next round. Come the 60th-minute coach Matt Bailey introduced Guy Knight, which gave his side more presence in wide areas. This proved the catalyst for 3 goals in 6 minutes, first through Dylan Lewis who blasted home from inside the six-yard box, the second was an own goal forced by Knight and the third came through the in-form Marcus Beattie. This goal rush deflated the Rangers who had been defensively astute up until that point. The match was capped off in the 92nd minute when Kyle Jackson got on the end of a classy team move to score at the far post to make the score 4-1 on the night.

Bulli’s 6th round opponent will be the winner of North Shore Mariners and Nepean FC who are scheduled to play next week. A win in this match will most likely leave only NPL giants Blacktown City in their path for a place in the national draw.

Post-match interview with Bulli coach Matt Bailey - https://soundcloud.com/dylanarvela/bulli-progress-to-the-ffa-cup-6th-round-after-strong-second-half  

Congratulations to Wollongong United and Bulli for their strong performances, both clubs are doing the region proud. These two local heavyweights face off in the 5th round of the IPL at Balls Paddock on Saturday, 2.30 pm kick off. The match promises to be a stellar encounter.

Report by Dylan Arvela on Twitter @dylanarvela