City’s ready to pack cup punch

FFA Cup last year – after deep forays in the first two editions – Piddock admits redemption on a giant-killing scale has been ordered.

“Last year the boys were hurting after getting knocked out so there’s a lot of extra motivation,” he said.

Captain Justyn McKay says squad depth is becoming vital due to a congested schedule.

“The last couple of weeks against Knights and Olympic, it got to 60 minutes and things can get a bit flat when it’s nilnil,” he said.

“But we can bring on players like Rhys Saunders or Jacob Boutoubia that can give us a lift and that changes the whole game.”

“We also have the luxury to be able to rotate the squad when players need a bit of a rest. It’s a good position to be in as a team.”

City’s clean sheet against the Thunder outlines the vast improvement in defence this campaign, a fact McKay is particularly proud of.

“Good teams build from the back and that’s certainly the case for us this year,” he said.

“We’ve been so much more resolute when it comes to not conceding sloppy goals, which is something we weren’t doing in recent seasons.”

“That gives you the confidence going forward to get goals.”

City downed Caloundra FC on the way to a spot in the round of 32 in 2014, with a date and venue for the Round 7 fixture yet to be determined.