Our Football South Coast clubs have been involved in FFA Cup action this week highlighted by impressive wins from Kemblawarra Fury and Bulli.

 

Round 5

Kemblawarra Fury vs Camden Tigers

On Thursday night Kemblawarra Fury travelled to Ron Dine Reserve to face Camden Tigers who sit on top of the NSW State League. The Fury opened the scoring through Shane Murray who shrugged off a number of defenders before blasting the ball into the top corner from 25 metres out.

The Fury bagged two more first half goals through Anthony Proia who beat two defenders on the edge of the box before tucking the ball into the bottom left corner. The third was a long range strike from Sam Matthews who latched onto a misguided punch from the Camden goalkeeper.

The 3-0 scoreline at halftime was just rewards for a dominant display and early into the second half the local side increased their lead via a Proia penalty.

The 3-0 scoreline at halftime was a fair reflection of the match and the Fury moved further ahead thanks to a Proia penalty early in the second half.

Camden pulled a goal back after a defensive mix up and they were given a glimmer of hope when they tucked home a penalty midway through the second half.

Fury managed the rest of the game well before finishing off the Tigers with a Matthew McNab goal in the dying stages. The 5-2 win sees the Fury host Fraser Park in the next round. The NPL3 side is undefeated this season under the guidance of former A-League coach, Branko Culina.

 

Waverley Old Boys vs Albion Park White Eagles

The struggling Illawarra Premier League Champions travelled to Valentine Park to take on Waverley Old Boys who ply their trade in the Eastern Suburbs FA Premier League.

The match was under the guidance of A-League referee, Kris Griffiths-Jones who allowed for a fast flowing match - suiting Albion Park’s nimble style of play.

The Old Boys started strong but gave away a penalty for handball 20 minutes into the match. Shohei Okuno stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick to put the White Eagles ahead.

The second half was a more eventful affair and the home side got back into the match via the penalty mark. Goalkeeper, Bryce Daenell picked the correct side but he was unable to keep the Old Boys from drawing level.

The equaliser lifted Waverley who pushed for a winner but the White Eagles regained control of the match before a deadly last 10 minutes. In the 82nd minute, Yosuke Tashiro scored a stunning goal before netting his second after a neat link-up with Okuno three minutes later. In the 87th minute, the match was put beyond doubt when the captain, Vaughan Patterson grabbed their fourth.

The solid win by Jeff Allport’s youthful side puts the White Eagles into the sixth round where they face NPL1 side Hakoah Sydney City East FC. An upset win against the four-time National Soccer League Champions would put Albion Park within a game of the national draw.

 

Round 6

Nepean FC vs Bulli FC

The current Illawarra Premier League leaders travelled to Cook Park on Tuesday night to face Nepean FC of the NSW State League. Bulli enjoyed strong spells of possession in the opening half but the scores remained level going into halftime.

The home side was able to put Bulli under significant pressure early in the second half which forced Jayden Lewis into a number of crucial saves. Bulli was able to regain the initiative but Nepean grabbed the lead with 20 minutes remain after the ball was poked home after a scramble in the box.

Bulli looked to raise the tempo in pursuit of an equaliser which came with just 10 minutes to go. A short corner was played to Guy Knight who swung in a cross which Dylan Lewis managed to glance into the far corner. The game spilt into extra time but only after Jayden Lewis pulled off a spectacular save with only a few minutes left to play, tipping a goalbound strike onto the crossbar.

During the first period of extra time, Bulli took the lead through Ben McDonald. A Sam Davis shot was parried by the Nepean goalkeeper with McDonald on hand to fire home. The home side pushed for a second but Bulli held out to ensure progression into the seventh round.

Their round seven opponents will be NPL1 giants Blacktown City in a match set to be played at Balls Paddock. A historic win would see Bulli enter the national draw.

 

Wollongong United vs Hills United Brumbies

On Wednesday night Wollongong United hosted Hills United Brumbies who sit mid-table in the NPL2. Despite an encouraging start, the home side went behind after 12 minutes via a 20-metre strike into the bottom left corner.

The second followed in the 19th minute when the ball was cut back from the right before being bundled into the near post. The local side pulled a goal back through star player, Daisuke Yuzawa who latched onto a long ball before putting in a delightful chip over the onrushing goalkeeper.

The two sides continued to trade blows with Sam Nastic playing a vital role, his shot stopping keeping Wollongong United in the tie. Hills pushed the score out to 3-1 in the 52nd minute, Nastic pulled off a double save but a Brumbies attacker was able to slot home on the third attempt.

Within a minute of the restart, Hills had a fourth after a wonder strike from 25 metres out that rocketed against the underside of the crossbar. Ben Brooks gave the home side a lifeline two minutes later when he pushed home a corner to reduce the deficit to two goals.

Any chance of a comeback with quashed when Hills picked up their fifth of the night. Once again, Nastic pulled off a solid save but he was unable to keep out the second attempt which put the away side up 5-2.

Hills added a sixth in the 74th minute via a glancing header. Wollongong United continued to toil and managed a consolation goal through Dylan Chaplin with the last kick of the match. The score finishing 6-3 to Hills United Brumbies. Wollongong United now switch their attention to Wollongong Olympic on Saturday in the Illawarra Premier League.

Congratulations to the three clubs that progressed to the next round, Kemblawarra Fury and the Albion Park White Eagles are set to face off on Sunday in round eight of the Illawarra Premier League. Commiserations to Wollongong United, who had a solid cup run which included a 3-1 win over NPL3 outfit Granville Rage.

Report by Dylan Arvela on Twitter @dylanarvela