A flurry of fixtures has been played last week as the fourth round of the Mirabella Cup continues its venture towards the next round. Seven of the remaining ten matches have been played last week.
Thus far, the current round has witnessed unforgettable moments with an induction of drama, animation and extensive upsets. Newly relegated and recent VPL champions of 2008 and 2009 Altona Magic (State 1) were left to eat humble pie as they were shocked with the upset of the competition being overhauled 2-1 by North Sunshine Eagles (Prov 1).
It was an unforgettable occasion that will forever be installed within the North Sunshine outfit. Meanwhile, all the VPL contestants have been left unscathed with progression into the following round.
Review of last week’s Mirabella Cup Round 4 fixtures:
In the opening week’s fixture South Yarra (Prov 1) had the demanding task of taking on an in-form and destructive Port Melbourne (State 1) outfit. High ambitions of a successful season could ultimately see Port Melbourne back at the pinnacle of Victorian football. The prize of meeting the prestigious South Melbourne in the next round was always a big drawing card.
With a vast three divisions separating the two outfits, it came as little surprise to see Port Melbourne stamp its authority on the game. Three memorising goals before the halftime interval capitulated South Yarra’s woes as Port Melbourne went on to record a comfortable 6-0 triumph.
A mouth watering clash now awaits between old foes South Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
High flying Southern Stars (State 1) had the task of travelling away to Kingston City (State 3) at The Grange Reserve. The Stars were early to stamp their authority on the game leading 2-0 at the halftime break. Kingston didn’t die wondering, pulling back a goal mid-way through the second half. With the scores at 2-1, Kingston applied an extensive amount of pressure on the Stars’ goal; however the Stars withstood the force and scored three consolation goals in the remaining ten minutes. Southern Stars triumphed 5-1, however on this occasion the score line wasn’t a truthful reflection of the game’s proceedings.
Former NSL champions Melbourne Knights (VPL) had the honour of playing host in their debut cup encounter against Keilor Park (State 3) at Knights Stadium. With an evident differentiation among playing divisions Keilor Park remained competitive in the opening period illustrating heart and character to only trail 1-0 at the break. However, a vicious display by the Knights saw them eclipse six goals past the Keilor Park defence eventually coming out 6-2 winners.
The cup reverie was brought into fruition for the newly promoted Heidelberg Stars (Prov 3) whom had a dream fixture of hosting former NSL representatives Preston Lions (State 1) at DISC. A gulf in the Victorian football pyramid didn’t have too much barring for Heidelberg as they emerged with a spare of the spoils, going into the halftime break 1-1. Not many within the football fraternity would have expected Heidelberg Stars to be competitive; however their cup adventure always seems to surprise. Preston Lions ultimately lived up to their prominence, scoring on six occasions to seal the tie with a 7-1 victory. It was a tail that many within the Stars’ hierarchy could tell for years to come, and so, the essence of cup football lives on.
Northcote City (VPL) was instilled with playing counter-part Box Hill United (State 2) in their debut Mirabella Cup fixture at Wembley Park. The encounter lived up to the hype with a highly competitive display from both clubs. The two divisions in separation didn’t seem existent as the score read 0-0 at the halftime break. The scoreless encounter was an accurate reflection of the robust meeting between the two fledging outfits. Northcote City was somewhat wasteful in front of goal in the second period; however their superiority was illustrated recording a 2-1 victory. City will play the winner out of Doncaster Rovers (State 2) and Bullen Lions (State 1).
One of the more anticipated fixtures of the round took place at Olympic Village when Banyule City (State 2), an outfit struggling for fluency and consistency in their respective league ventured to the turf of prosperous Heidelberg United (VPL). Banyule City stepped it up a gear scoring an early goal, before a late first half goal by Heidelberg sent the teams level at 1-1 during the break. Heidelberg seized the advantage in the opening minutes of the second period by hitting the back of the net, although Banyule were quick to equalise courtesy of a penalty. Banyule were courageous and diligent in their effort for a winner; however Heidelberg’s class pulled through with two goals in the remaining 25 minutes. The final score read 4-2 in favour of Heidelberg United, although Banyule’s performance may keep them in good stead for a return to winning form in the league.
The final game of this week’s Mirabella Cup fixtures saw Falcons 2000 (Regional) have the privilege of playing host to the resilient Springvale White Eagles (VPL). With an enormous gap in status and proficiency the result was never really in doubt. Springvale illustrated their dominance with a vigorous display, claiming an 8-0 victory.
The fourth round of the Mirabella Cup will come to a timely closure this week with the remaining three fixtures taking place. The two Tuesday night matches will witness Doncaster Rovers (State 2) host FC Bullen Lions (State 1) and Fortuna 60 (Regional) travel away to play Malvern City (State 2). Meanwhile, the final game will take place on Sunday between Cobram Victory (Regional) and Whittlesea Zebras (State 1). The fourth round is gradually drawing to a closure. The excitement, drama and tension witnessed are an illustration of how the beauty and allure of cup football is a unique trait within the beautiful game.
Mirabella Cup Round 4 results:
Pascoe Vale (S1) 3-0 Mooroolbark (P1)
Geelong (S2) 0-1 St Albans Saints (VPL)
Moreland City (S2) 3-2 Fawkner Blues (S1)
Green Gully Cavaliers (VPL) 18-0 Mildura United (R)
FC Clifton Hill (S2) 5-2 Twin City Wanderers (R)
Hume City (VPL) 2-1 Hume United (S3)
Langwarrin (S1) 0-1 Dandenong City (S2)
Bayside Argonauts (P2) 0-4 Bentleigh Greens (VPL)
Ballarat Red Devils (S2) 0-0 (1-0 ET) North Geelong (S1)
Strathdale (R) 0-11 Sunshine George Cross (S1)
South Melbourne (VPL) 14-0 Yarraville Glory (S3)
Altona Magic (S1) 1-2 North Sunshine Eagles (P1)
Dandenong Thunder (VPL) 2-0 South Springvale (S2)
Waverley Wanderers (S3) 2-5 Oakleigh Cannons (VPL)
Kingston City (S3) 1-5 Southern Stars (S1)
South Yarra (P1) 0-6 Port Melbourne (S1)
Melbourne Knights (VPL) 6-2 Keilor Park (S3)
Heidelberg Stars (P3) 1-7 Preston Lions (S1)
Northcote City (VPL) 2-1 Box Hill United (S2)
Heidelberg United (VPL) 4-2 Banyule City (S2)
Falcons 2000 (R) 0-8 Springvale White Eagles (VPL)
Mirabella Cup Round 4 draw:
Tue 10 May 7:30pm Doncaster Rovers (S2) v FC Bulleen Lions (S1) – Anderson Park
Tue 10 May 8:30pm Malvern City (S2) v Fortuna 60 (R) – Jack Edwards Reserve
Sun 15 May 3:00pm Cobram Victory (R) v Whittlesea Zebras (S1) – Barooga Recreation Reserve
*Courtesy of Football Federation Victoria
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