The fifth round of the pioneering Mirabella Cup competition was drawn last night with 12 exhilarating fixtures on display. Many of the heavy weights within Victorian football are starting to find their feet in the biggest cup competition presently in Australia.
The draw has evidently revealed many mouth watering matches which embraces the appeal of derby culture and passionate rivalries within Victorian football.
The Mirabella Cup offers an insight into one aspect of the game that has been dearly missed for several years- with the cup being in recess since 2004 (formerly known as the Dockerty Cup).
Only two teams are left in each region (one representative from each of the 12 regions will progress to the sixth round- Super 12’s stage).
The final dates for the fifth round fixtures are still to be determined; however they are scheduled to take place from 31 May to June 13.
Match 1: South Melbourne (VPL) vs Port Melbourne (State 1)
Arguably the match of the round, the highly anticipated South Melbourne and Port Melbourne match-up has got many people excited within the Victorian football fraternity. Following an easy victory in their debut game last round, South Melbourne will face their first competitive ordeal against fit and firing Port Melbourne.
The Sharks form has seen them win their opening five league fixtures while also playing out an entertaining 2-2 last Wednesday with A-League outfit Melbourne Heart in a friendly. A likely return at the summit of Victorian football next year seems imminent for Port Melbourne if their impressive grace of form can continue throughout the current campaign.
A lacklustre couple of weeks have hung doubt over South Melbourne’s championship credentials. If South continue their unaspiring display of football, an earlier than expected exit from the cup may come into fruition. Nevertheless, an enthralling battle is upon us.
Match 2: Springvale White Eagles (VPL) vs Malvern City (State 2) or Fortuna 60 (Regional)
The last remaining round four fixture will take place this evening (Tuesday 17 May) between Malvern City and Fortuna 60. The eventual winner will then advance to play Springvale White Eagles on their home turf. Given their status, Malvern City are expected to proceed to the fifth round.
The Eagles form has been short of miserable latterly in the VPL- the recent 9-0 loss to Heidelberg United wouldn’t have instilled much confidence within the playing ranks, however a 1-1 draw with Bentleigh Greens on Sunday would have resurrected some hope. Amid a vulnerable Eagles outfit, this tie could be an interesting encounter.
Match 3: FC Clifton Hill (State 2) vs Cobram Victory (Regional)
Following Cobram Victory’s unbelievable 3-2 triumph over State League One opposition Whittlesea Zebra’s on Sunday, the regional outfit would feel as though they are living in a fairytale world reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.
The essence of cup football has been truly evident as the Goulburn North East team has been drawn away to play against FC Clifton Hill.
In what seems to be a difficult road trip, Clifton Hill’s league form has been good without being spectacular. Can Cobram claim another big scalp and continue their cup dream? The reasonable approach would be in favour of Clifton Hill, although Cobram Victory could just surprise once again.
Match 4: Ballarat Red Devils (State 2) vs St Albans Saints (VPL)
A further fascinating fixture awaits between the newly promoted St Albans Saints- an outfit struggling with confidence and mobility and Ballarat Red Devils- whom have played some brilliant football in the cup, recently defeating State One representative Geelong Warriors in an absorbing contest.
Given Ballarat’s tendency to play well against higher league opposition, the Red Devils will fancy their chances against a vulnerable St Albans. Don’t be surprised if the underdog claims bragging rights.
Match 5: FC Bullen Lions (State 1) vs Northcote City (VPL)
All eyes will be keenly on the Veneto Club arena as FC Bullen Lions have the privilege of hosting an in-form Northcote City. Bullen will be eager to re-live the glory days by knocking off a VPL outfit.
The Lions’ fourth round fixture went to the death, with a miraculous 4-2 win on penalty shoot-outs following a 0-0 stalemate with Doncaster Rovers (State 2). Meanwhile, Northcote City also had a close encounter, triumphing 2-1 against a resilient Box Hill United (State 2).
Match 6: Melbourne Knights (VPL) vs North Sunshine Eagles (Prov 1)
The cup vision will continue for the solitary Provisional League outfit as North Sunshine Eagles take on Victorian powerhouse Melbourne Knights. Following a remarkable display in the last round- triumphing 2-1 against recently relegated Altona Magic (State 1), the Eagles will be living in wonderland when they face a club in the calibre of the Knights.
In a fixture which is expected to be one sided, the Knights should progress with little difficulty. Can the Eagles prove their doubters wrong once again?
Match 7: Dandenong City (State 2) vs Dandenong Thunder (VPL)
Dandenong City will have the ambitious assignment of playing big brothers Dandenong Thunder in an encounter which will represent the winner of the southern region.
Given their status within the Victorian football pyramid, Thunder will be expected to triumph on this occasion. However, derby showdowns can always bring about surprising results; City will be determined to let their name be known by knocking off their VPL counter-part. Watch this match with anticipation.
Match 8: Preston Lions (State 1) vs Heidelberg United (VPL)
The meeting of the former NSL protégées will unite as Heidelberg United and Preston Lions face off. Heidelberg United has eclipsed a stunning 17 goals in their last three VPL matches (recording 9-0, 5-0 and 3-1 wins against Springvale White Eagles, VTC and Richmond respectively).
Meanwhile, Preston Lions are beginning to show some promise following a sluggish start to the season. Heidelberg will enter the clash as deserved favourites given their destructive offensive display and higher league status, although the Lions will be keen to prove a point in this northern derby. An interesting tale awaits.
Match 9: Southern Stars (State 1) vs Bentleigh Greens (VPL)
Bentleigh Greens have been dealt the audacious task of playing Southern Stars at the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex. The Stars’ are high flying at the moment, sitting second in their respective league table. The Southern outfit will undoubtedly hold great ambitions of playing in the top flight of Victorian football next season.
This fixture may well give us an indication of what level needs to be implemented to compete at the pinnacle level in state football. This match-up may be a problematic fixture for Bentleigh, who know a meeting with the Stars will be a hard fought encounter. Will Bentleigh live up to their VPL status and shine through?
Match 10: Hume City (VPL) vs Moreland City (State 2)
Moreland City has been drawn with a tricky away tie to the territory of Hume City. Moreland had a enchanting 3-2 victory against Fawkner Blues (State 1) last round, while Hume City defeated local rivals Hume United (State 3) 2-1 in a closer than expected encounter.
Moreland City are currently flying high in their respective league, winning their opening six league games and are looking an ominous threat. Given their impressive form, this fixture could represent a dangerous encounter for Hume City.
A club in the vein of Moreland may just have the firepower and will to record a memorable victory. Hume City may be thinking otherwise.
Match 11: Oakleigh Cannons (VPL) vs Pascoe Vale (State 1)
The battle which pits top of the VPL table Oakleigh Cannons against counter-part Pascoe Vale will embroil a sense of elation and excitement to the fifth round. The Cannons have been playing some spectacular football of late and will front into this fixture with every confidence of proceeding to the next round. On the other hand, Pascoe Vale is a different tale. Struggling for consistency within their game and points in their respective league, a cup tie like this could bring out their best.
Match 12: Green Gully Cavaliers (VPL) vs Sunshine George Cross (State 1)
The final fixture will take place between former NSL and VPL giants Sunshine George Cross- a club who have developed and nurtured exceptional talent in the vein of recently retired Kevin Muscat and defending VPL champions Green Gully Cavaliers- who can bolster the honour of assisting the development of Roddy Vargas.
Whilst both outfits are seemingly acquiring slower than expected starts in their respective leagues, both clubs will be seeking redemption.
The Cavaliers are the last club to win a state wide Victorian Cup competition (winners of the 2004 Dockerty Cup). This fixture may well go into extra time, expect a close encounter.
Courtesy of Football Federation Victoria – Follow Robbie on Twitter @robertdifabio
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