Blacktown City, 7:30pm Wednesday 22nd May 2019 (Home) – FFA Cup

The FFA Cup was back this week and with just two more games to win to get to the promised land of the last 32, I was getting very nervous. I love and hate this comp in equal measures. Every year it nearly gives me a heart attack, and after last year when we went out before the last 32 for the first time, I was praying that we can get through this year. I still think having to play 4 games to get in is too many for our level. Two would suffice, but the FFA are in charge and I would not expect them to do anything sensible. When the draw came out I was pissed we drew Blacktown, memories of that 2-6 loss in extra time a few years back was still a painful memory, especially given they went on the play Sydney FC at King Tom to rub salt in the wounds. The fact that the NSW FA do not do the draw live makes me think it’s fixed, but to be fair we did get an easy draw for the first 2 games so I can’t complain. This game was to be no given though, and as I got on the bus to Eastwood station from work I was already on edge. I changed at Strathfield and got to Cabramatta in good time for the usual cab journey to the ground. Once at King Tom, I had a quick beer to calm the nerves. The guys were also putting on a BBQ on the hill and the weather was perfect for football.

The new bar mats. Very classy

There was already a fair few people milling about at 7pm as the youth were training on the pitch. The BBQ had already been set up by the time that I got there. Top effort by Rob and the lads. The Pork belly roll was excellent and was complemented well by the Ajvar. The bar had also been spruced up with Sydney Croatia scarves acting as bar mats. Matt and my mate Dan came to join me on the hill and as the game kicked off there was a large crowd, easily the largest that I have seen for this stage of the comp, and the stage was set. For some reason Blacktown were wearing the away jersey of white, which then started a discussion on the merit of purchasing away jerseys. Matt, who was wearing our current away of blue (very nice and available at the club shop…I’m not on commission, I promise) said he always buys away jerseys. I don’t normally buy them, which is a bit strange given I collect football jerseys. I have just always preferred traditional home colours. He had also brought me a copy of the fabled “50 years of Sydney Croatia” to borrow, which I was stoked about.

The BBQ - top Wednesday night fare

The game started as these midweek games normally do, slowly. I was worried that Glen Trifiro did not start again as he has been our best player this season in my opinion.

The first half was a cagey, even affair that neither side could say they played particularly well in. A few half chances were all that was created but the atmosphere was electric and was calming my nerves. Or was that the VB? Either way, the half time whistle went and a queue formed at the BBQ and bar on the hill. I say it every game here but the guys doing the bar and the club shop are legends. So many people have come back this season and they are the main reason there is a buzz around. Nobody at this level gets the crowds we do, long may it continue.

Match action

Anyway, the second half started and within a minute Glen Trifiro was brought on for Sebastian Gallegos. It was looking like one of those games where whoever scored first would go on to win it and thank god it was us! Just after the hour mark a cross was cut out by the Blacktown defence but it skewed into the keeper who could not hold it – and who was there to force the ball home? Glen Trrifiro! Beers were flung in the air on the hill as the mayhem ensued. CRO-ART-ZIA! CRO-ART-ZIA! When I had finished jumping up and down and the game restarted I found myself more nervous than I was before for some reason. However the nerves were put to rest 10 minutes later when Gonzalez jinked around the Blacktown defence majestically to tee up Tariq Maia who smashed it home to make it 2-0. Nerves shot, I headed for a VB to calm down and to find out how much time was left. Blacktown threw everyone forward to try to get back into the game but left themselves vulnerable on the break and Croatia were able to waste a good bit of time down in the corners. Blacktown eventually pulled one back in stoppage time which made for a nerve racking few minutes but then finally the whistle! Into the final round we go (the draw is today). I am off to the UK for two weeks so will miss the next 3 games unfortunately. I mean who gets married during the NPL season?! I will be having stern words with my sister. Keep up the good work in my absence boys! Sydney Croatia Ole Ole Ole

Busy on the hill