The third round of the Mirabella Cup has ventured into the second week of proceeding with a further five games taking place as mid-week fixtures last week. The remaining four matches will be played this week.
Following the conclusion of the round, the cup will enter the fourth round (second stage of the competition) where the two zonale winners with be drawn against the seeded VPL and State League One outfits.
Additionally, on Thursday night the fourth round draw took place at FFV headquarters.
The clubs with incomplete third round matches were also drawn, with a pre-mature outlook into which team they may face barring they progress to the next round.
Review of last week’s Round 3 fixtures:
We start off proceedings in the North-West of Melbourne where Moreland City (State 2) hosted the in-form Melbourne Tornado (Prov 2) in an early week Monday night kick-off at DISC.
Tornado felt the pressure early on by their higher league opposition when Moreland City’s Oner Simsek hit the back of the net in the 9th minute.
With a vast difference on the Victorian pyramid, Tornado did well to remain competitive for long periods of the game.
However, City exemplified their superiority with Simsek claiming a double in the remaining minutes. Moreland City advance to the second stage with a comprehensive 2-0 victory.
Venturing out to the North-Eastern region, highly fancied Doncaster Rovers (State 2) welcomed Ashburton (Prov 2) to their home turf at Anderson Park. The Rovers were dealt with an immense shock as they entered the half-time interval trailing 1-0 to an outfit ranked three divisions below. The beauty of cup football was being realised for Ashburton as they were only 45 minutes away from realising their dream.
However, a sturdy wake up call was imminent in the second period as Doncaster Rovers illustrated their state league status with a display of professionalism and authority.
The Rovers eventually overcame their Provisional League counter-parts scoring two goals to triumph 2-1 in a closer than expected encounter. Ashburton can leave the competition in high spirits and will hope to replicate their form over to the league.
Drifting across to the Northern region the essence and beauty of cup football has been evident by the amazing pilgrimage set upon by the Heidelberg Stars (Prov 3). The Stars played host to La Trobe University (State 3) at DISC in what would be an unforgettable night of drama and celebration for the competing outfits.
With an immense three divisions separating the two teams, the Stars pulled of the upset of the competition by defeating the Uni boys 2-0. A goal by Nasir Yussuf in the opening interval, followed by Abdikhadar Elmi 85th minute strike was enough to gain entry into the 4th round.
The Stars will have to be at their best to remain competitive against State League One outfit Preston Lions, however with an abundance of confidence and optimism running through the club; anything is possible in cup football.
The Southern Zone witnessed Dandenong City (State 2) travel away to Mornington (State 3) at Monterey Reserve. City had the better of their opposition leading at the half time interval 2-0. The scoreline was an accurate reflection of their ranking within Victorian football.
Mornington were able to pull a goal back after the break, although Dandenong City proved to be a class above triumphing 2-1 at the final whistle.
The Final fixture of the week took place in the Northern zone where Epping City (Prov 2) attempted to replicate their previous cup form against Banyule City (State 2), whom has thus far struggled for form losing their opening two league fixtures.
Nevertheless the game got off to a flying start with Bayule opening their account in the initial ten minutes. However, Epping responded pegging a goal back just before the half time interval. At the break the scores read 1-1. With three divisions unravelling the two outfits, Epping were playing well to stay in the contest.
However, Banyule inflicted their superiority by scoring mid-way through the second period and ultimately killing the game with a well placed strike in the final few minutes. It was an admirable effort from Epping City who should be proud of their achievements throughout the competition. Meanwhile, Banyule City will have the daunting task of facing Heidelberg United (VPL) in the fourth round.
Remaining Round 3 fixtures:
There are still four fixtures yet to be played in the third round of the Mirabella Cup. These matches will take place during the week and will ultimately bring to a close the round proceedings.
Round 4 Draw:
Stage two of the competition represents an invigorating period for many within the Victorian football fraternity.
The much awaited introduction of the seeded Alanic Premier League and State League One clubs will vibrantly make their debuts in the innovative Mirabella Cup competition.
The seeded outfits have been drawn against the 24 zonale winners (two from each zone) from the preliminary rounds of the tournament. Round four will commence on April 23 and run through to May 5.
Many fixtures will represent a true test of character, mental strength and professionalism for an abundance of clubs participating.
With the Mirabella Cup fixtures taking place as mid-week games, clubs will need to find the right balance within their playing ranks given they will face the prospect of two games within three or four days.
There are some appetizing contests on display. The Hume derby will obtain much excitement within the local community. Hume United (State 3) will have the overwhelming task of travelling to Hume City’s (VPL) home turf in what is anticipated to be an animated fixture. Three divisions separate the pair, although local derbies are always capable of the odd surprise.
The feel-good story of the competition thus far is Heidelberg Star’s rise to supremacy. The newly promoted outfit plying their trade in Provisional League Three fended off La Trobe University (State 3) by winning 2-0 in the third round and are currently living the fairytale of hosting former NSL representatives Preston Lions (State 1). An enormous five divisions divide the two clubs in a contest where the Lions are expected to win comfortably. The Stars have surprised many throughout the cup, can they duplicate another bombshell?
Another local derby between Doncaster Rovers (State 2) and FC Bullen Lions (State 1) is building up to be a thrilling encounter. With the close proximity of the two outfits and similar vein in the division ranking, both clubs will rate their chances of advancing further in the cup.
Two Regional outfits will be living in wonderland when they face the elite in Victorian football. Gippsland Soccer League’s Falcons 2000 have gained the privilege of hosting Springvale White Eagles (VPL), meanwhile Mildura United will have the boisterous road trip of travelling the turf of defending VPL champions, Green Gully Cavaliers.
The solitary Provisional League vs VPL encounter will be brought into fruition when Bayside Argonauts (P2) grace the honour of welcoming Bentleigh Greens (VPL) to their home pitch. The Argonaunts will have a tough battle on their hands; however playing against a VPL team will be a great experience for all involved.
The fourth round of the Mirabella Cup will see a guaranteed 12 VPL, 23 State League, two Provisional League and three regional outfits (results may vary depending on the remaining third round fixtures) commence proceeding at the second stage of the competition. Many of the higher ranked clubs will be expected to progress to the fifth round. Although cup football represents much uncertainty, tension, exhilaration and its fair share of upsets as we’ve witnessed thus far in this year’s competition. Brace yourself for another stimulating round of cup football.
Last week’s Round 3 Mirabella Cup Results:
Moreland City (S2) 2-0 Melbourne Tornado (P1)
Doncaster Rovers (S2) 2-1 Ashburton (P2)
Heidelberg Starts (P3) 2-0 La Trobe Uni (S3)
Mornington (S3) 1-2 Dandenong City (S2)
Epping City (P2) 1-3 Banyule City (S2)
Mirabella Cup Round 3 Remaining Fixtures:
Mon 18 Apr 7:30pm Yarraville Glory (S3) v Old Melburnians (P1) – DISC Pitch 1
Tue 19 Apr 7:00pm Corio (P1) v Ballarat Red Devils (S2) – Morshead Park
Wed 20 Apr 7:30pm Keilor Park (S3) v Westgate (S2) – Ardeer Reserve
Thu 21 Apr 7:30pm South Yarra (P1) v Middle Park FC (P3) – DISC Pitch 1
Mirabella Cup Round 4 draw:
Doncaster Rovers (S2) v FC Bulleen Lions (S1)
Northcote City (VPL) v Box Hill United (S2)
Hume City (VPL) v Hume United (S3)
Moreland City (S2) v Fawkner Blues (S1)
Langwarrin (S1) v Dandenong City (S2)
Dandenong Thunder (VPL) v South Springvale (S2)
Bayside Argonauts (P2) v Bentleigh Greens (VPL)
Kingston City (S3) v Southern Stars (S1)
Geelong (S2) v St Albans Saints (VPL)
Altona Magic (S1) v North Sunshine Eagles (P1)
Cobram Victory (R) v Whittlesea Zebras (S1)
FC Clifton Hill (S2) v Twin City Wanderers (R)
Falcons 2000 (R) v Springvale White Eagles (VPL)
Malvern City (S2) v Fortuna 60 (R)
Strathdale (R) v Sunshine George Cross (S1)
Green Gully Cavaliers (VPL) v Mildura United (R)
Pascoe Vale (S1) v Mooroolbark (P1)
Waverely Wanderers (S3) v Oakleigh Cannons (VPL)
Heidelberg Stars (P3) v Preston Lions (S1)
Heidelberg United (VPL) v Banyule City (S2)
South Melbourne (VPL) v Old Melbournians (P1) or Yarraville(S2)
Middle Park (P3) or South Yarra (P1) v Port Melbourne(S1)
Ballarat Red Devils (S2) or Corio (P1) v North Geelong (S1)
Melbourne Knights (VPL) v Keilor Park (S3) or Westgate (S2)
Robbie Di Fabio is a writer for Goal Weekly (Courtesy of Goal Weekly). Find him on Facebook
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