Bunyip starts strong in FFA

Bunyip Strikers welcomed ETA Buffalo to Bunyip Recreation Reserve for Qualifying Round 1 of the FFA Cup.

The Strikers started the game unrecognisable from the side that finished 2019, with nine of the starting 11 making their competitive debut for the club.

Both teams faced the difficult conditions, and both started the game positively.

The Strikers created numerous chances in the first 30 mins to break the deadlock and finally succeeded when a cross field ball from Ricky Yu picked out Ryan Mackie, who controlled and rounded the keeper, slotting the ball into the empty net.

Bunyip continued to be the dominating side, but the half time score remained 1-0.

The second half continued as the first half had ended with Bunyip dominating possession and creating the bulk of the chances.

ETA had a chance to level the scores with 10 minutes to go but missed the opportunity.

ETA then continued pushed hard for an equaliser and in doing this exposed themselves defending, but Bunyip were unable to capitalise on the numerous opportunities created. The final score ending 1-0 to the Strikers and they go in the draw for Qualifying Round 2.

The FFA Cup is a national knockout tournament run by Football Federation Australia in conjunction with every State and Territory Member Federation in the country.

The competition commences with the Preliminary Rounds before moving into the Final Rounds (from the Round of 32 onwards), the stage when the 10 Hyundai ALeague clubs join the fray.

Each and every cup tie must be decided on the day, with extra time and penalties to decide results of matches drawn after 90 minutes.

A record number of more than 220 Victorian teams will take part in this year's FFA Cup.

Liam McCafferty beats his opponent to the ball when Bunyip hosted ETA Buffalo to get their FFA Cup campaign underway.

Above: Drouin Dragons goalkeeper Jordan Carter ventures away from goal to clear the ball for his side against Sale in the wet conditions on Saturday afternoon.

Bunyip’s Nicholas Yong shoots for goal against ETA Buffalo during the opening FFA match in Bunyip on Saturday afternoon.

Harvey Bates skies to head this ball back towards Warragul’s goal against Berwick.

Steve Smythe looks for a teammate as the rain pours down in the match against Sale.

Elijah Gameau clears the ball out of the Strikers defence in the FFA game on Saturday.

Jamie Faithfull carries the ball down the flank for the Bunyip Strikers.