Armadale ready to take next step in Australia Cup

The first of two Australia Cup Round of 32 ties involving NPLWA – Men’s sides takes place tonight as Armadale Soccer Club Inc. host South Australian State League One outfit Modbury Jets SC at Alfred Skeet Reserve.

The fixture will be the second time Armadale have reached this stage of the competition, having previously qualified for the national rounds in 2018. On that night, an early red card proved costly as four second-half goals saw Armadale lose 4-0 away at Cairns FC.

It is a bumper week for the club as they back up in the State Cup final against Cockburn City on Sunday, where they will aim to win silverware for the second time in five years.

But first they aim to become only the second NPLWA side to advance to the Round of 16, after Sorrento in 2017, and head coach John O’Reilly says there is great anticipation for the national competition.

“The fact we’ve got into the Round of 32 again is a huge achievement and the excitement and appreciation from the club is massive,” he said.

“When I came on board six years ago, the targets didn’t include the Round of 32, so the fact we’ve had the opportunity to get to this stage twice is nothing short of amazing for the club. We can’t wait to give it another crack.

“I felt a bit robbed that we lost a player after 20 minutes (in 2018) and we didn’t get the chance to give it our best shot. This time our focus will be different and we’re looking to take this opportunity with both hands.

“To host a Round of 32 game, you don’t realise what it entails until you have to tick the boxes to meet the requirements. But it’s been a big effort from (Club President) Ken Madeley and (Vice-President & Treasurer) John O’Gorman, who have been instrumental in making this work.

“For us, it’s our 50th anniversary at Armadale so to have another first after 50 years of existence is great timing to coincide with our anniversary celebrations. It’s going to be a massive night for us.”

Thursday’s opponents Modbury Jets are six points clear of West Adelaide at the top of South Australia’s second tier, but come into this tie having lost 5-0 to NPLSA leaders Adelaide City in the State Cup Final on the weekend.

O’Reilly says his side are raring to go ahead of four big days, but is also wary anything can happen when it comes to the cup.

“I don’t think status is relevant in the scheme of things. At the end of the day, it’s a one-off game,” he said.

“Obviously, they’re tracking well in their competition in South Australia and have recruited well, bringing in a number of NPL players which has given them an edge in State League One.

“We’re well aware it’s a team who have players that are capable of playing good football and will want to travel this distance with the intention of winning. We won’t be underestimating them by any stretch of the imagination.

“We’ve had some injuries and unavailability’s in the last couple of weeks, but what’s exciting about this run of games is we have everyone back and fit, so I have 100% of our squad to choose from.

“I think it’s a winnable game, but it’s also going to be a close encounter and one which fans can get behind and really enjoy the excitement and experience of the cup.”

Tonight’s tie at Alfred Skeet Reserve kicks off at 6.30pm with tickets still available. They cost between $5 and $15 and can be purchased HERE. The game will also be available to watch on the 10Play app.

Cockburn will travel to Queensland to play Brisbane City next week.