Olympic prime for cup glory
IN most games local football club MA Olympic would be expected to be outclassed by their Queensland NPL “big brothers” Northern Fury.
But tonight game of football.
Olympic clash with Fury in their Round 5 FFA Cup elimination game at the Townsville Sports Reserve and Olympic coach Michael Brooks is embracing the underdog tag.
It is after all what the FFA Cup — much like its famous FA Cup cousin in England — is all about; where all clubs, no matter their status, can dream of winning the big prize.
“They call it the glory of the cup for a reason,” Brooks said.
“If you turn up on the night you can win the game, that’s what it’s all about.
“It’s one game of football, not a whole season.
“I think if we can weather the storm early, play at our best and make the most of our chances, we can rattle the cage.”
There is no shortage of experience and talent in Olympic’s squad, including striker Theo Nicopoulos and former Fury forward Reece Edmonds, who shifted to Olympic just a fortnight ago.
Edmonds recently struck the winning goal in Northern Fury’s 4- 3 win over Redlands, arguably the most significant win of the Fury’s resurgent season to date.
“That should make it a bit more interesting,” Brooks said.
“About half of our boys have played at that ( NPL) level and the other half I think are working on being in a squad like that, but they want to stay in club for a while before venturing further.
“We’re coming off a loss and we’re a bit disappointed by it, but we’re looking forward to the chal- is no ordinary lenge and these are the types of games you play for.
“We know what it’s store for us and the speed of the game will play into the Fury’s hands because it’s obviously a lot quicker and more physical in the NPL.”
Fury coach Paul Roncato says he is treating tonight’s encounter as a danger game.
Roncato will be without Brendon Gadd ( work) and Ben Stanley ( back), but will field off- season recruit Jahya McKeown for the first time this year after the young defender suffered a knee injury in the Fury’s pre- season trial against Mackay Magpies.
“Olympic have so much play for,” Roncato said.
“They’re the underdogs and everyone wants to knock the NPL side off, but we have a lot to play for as well.
“We know it will be tough because Olympic are a tough and very passionate club and I’ve got a lot of respect for Michael Brooks. It should be a cracker of a match.”
Tonight’s game, which was due to be held midweek, replaces the Fury’s NPL game against Brisbane Roar Youth that was controversially postponed.
Kick- off is 7pm. to