Cairns’ focus on run in Cup

FOOTBALL CAIRNS FC will need to reverse their recent run of poor results if they are to keep their FFA Cup dream alive on Wednesday night.

The Far North club fell to their third straight defeat on Saturday night in Mackay, knocked over by Magpies Crusaders FC 3-1.

After a stunning run of form to secure their spot in the NPL for next season as well as qualify for the Round of 32 for the FFA Cup, Cairns FC have found the going tough over the past month.

Defeats to Crusaders, North Queensland United and Brisbane Strikers as well as a draw to Olympic FC in their last four outings is not the form the club would have wanted leading into the critical FFA Cup clash with Perth-based Armadale.

Coach Danny Graystone has managed his squad in recent weeks to best prepare for Wednesday night’s home clash at Barlow Park and said some of the group had one eye on Armadale in the loss to Crusaders.

“We are disappointed we lost but we have a very big game coming up on Wednesday,” the Cairns FC boss said.

“We have a very small squad and to come away from this game with no suspensions or injuries is a bit of a win for us. We have a game on Wednesday night that may go to extra time so we were trying to be smart in the way we applied our game plan.

“We had a couple of good opportunities in the first half and could have gone in 1-0.

“We would have liked to come here with a big squad and make a game of it but we now look forward to Wednesday because it is a big game for the region.”

Armadale beat Subiaco 4-2 in their final game before the FFA Cup clash.

Reserve goalkeeper Jacson Riley was handed the start for Cairns in preparation for Wednesday night, with first-choice stopper Pierce Clark Cup-tied and unavailable for the game.

But, in a twist, Clark came on as an outfield player and scored the club’s only goal in the 83rd minute.

Magpies Crusaders United FC coach Carlos Garcia Alejos said his club deserved the win after holding possession for much of the game.