Not again... Heat cop FFA Cup draw shock
DREAMS of an A-League team visiting Cairns have been dashed thanks to the FNQ Heat’s shocking luck in the FFA Cup.
The draw was held in Sydney yesterday and that’s where the Heat will travel in August to take on NSW NPL powerhouse Sydney United ‘58, who boast 138 games of A-League experience on their esteemed roster.
The groans from players as they watched the draw unfold represents the worst-case scenario for the Heat, who at least hoped to have a home draw and even dared to dream of hosting an A-League club.
The 2017 draw is the same the two clubs received in 2014.
Sydney United ‘58, who are under the guidance of former Socceroo Mark Rudan in 2017, ran out victors on that occasion 4-1.
While the draw did not turn out as hoped, Heat players say they’re up for the challenge.
IF the FNQ Heat wanted a date with an A-League club, they’ve just about got it after drawing Sydney United ’58 in the 2017 FFA Cup Round of 32.
In the worst situation imaginable, even a home draw eluded the club but players and administrators are remaining upbeat knowing the enormity of the challenge in front of them.
Such is the “Magic of the Cup” as it is dubbed, they know all too well anything could happen on their trip to Sydney in early August.
FNQ Heat midfielder Crios O’Hare, who played when the two teams went head-to-head at the same stage in the inaugural FFA Cup in 2014, said it was a tough draw.
“They’re probably close to the No. 1 side in NSW,” he said.
“They’ve got lots of money to spend, lots of good resources and it’s going to be a hard battle but we’re up for it and confident as ever.
“In the old NSL they were a big club back then and outside the A-League, they probably don’t come much bigger than Sydney United
“They’re a huge club, a huge supporter base with a great history. A lot of good players have come through Sydney United.
“It would have been nice to get someone we haven’t played before but at the same time it’s a competition and we’re going to go down there confident and hopefully get a result.”
O’Hare said while the Heat had not had much luck in the past three Round of 32 contests, a win next month could put them on the map.
“I think we need to go in with an attitude where we believe we deserve to be at this stage of the competition and not just be happy to be here and see what happens,” he said.
“We need to go down there and believe in ourselves we can go down there and get a result.”
FNQ Heat chairman Rob Giason said he had faith the players would step up and be competitive against the NPL NSW giants. “Obviously it’s a tough game for the guys, but it will be a great experience for them,” he said. “It’s experience the guys will pick up from it and it’s an experience to play a top side and competition will be very tough.
“It’s a pity we’re not hosting it, so that’s another downside, but that’s the breaks.”
Brisbane club Peninsula Power drew Melbourne City — the only Queensland club to draw an A-League club.