The fifth round of the Mirabella Cup continued over the Queen’s Birthday long-weekend. Four of the five remaining fixtures were played over the weekend and fans were treated to an exciting and attacking brand of football.
Last week we witnessed five matches played mid-week, with some exciting and unexpected results.
Two VPL representatives were kniocked out by State League One outfits- former NSL champions South Melbourne (lost 2-1 to Port Melbourne) and Bentleigh Greens (defeated 4-0 by Southern Stars 4-0).
Game 8: Springvale White Eagles (VPL) vs Malvern City (State 2)
Springvale White Eagles have had a turbulent time since their promotion to the Victorian Premier League.
The Eagles are currently in the relegation zone and are six points behind Richmond and Melbourne Knights, whom are narrowly safe for the time being.
Springvale’s opening cup tie was an effortless 8-0 win over regional outfit Falcons 2000. Meanwhile, Malvern City’s fortunes have been on the rise.
Sitting second in State League Two S/E, Malvern have exhibited a telling season which sees them making a real push for promotion. City’s last encounter in the cup was a comfortable 7-2 over Fortuna 60 (Regional).
This encounter was an opportunity for Springvale to instil some much need self-belief amongst the playing group following some heavy defeats in the VPL.
The match was played on Friday night at White Eagles Stadium, and both sides made it clear from the beginning that they were going to attack.
Despite this, neither side was able to find the back of the net, with the scores reading 0-0 at the halftime break. The second period was an equally evenly contested affair, until Springvale were awarded a late penalty which was put away with ease.
The lone goal proved to be enough, with Springvale triumphing 1-0.
Game 9: Hume City (VPL) vs Moreland City (State 2)
Hume City’s passage to the fifth round was thanks to a nail-biting 2-1 victory over local rival Hume United (State 2) in a memorable derby clash.
Hume’s form has been outstanding in the VPL, currently sitting in second position though the likes of Heidelberg United and South Melbourne in hot pursuit.
Moreland City also found the last round tricky, overcoming severe resistance to record a 3-2 win over Fawkner Blues (State 1). Moreland’s league form has been excellent, playing competitive, attractive football while holding the mantle of first position in State League Two N/W. Promotion seems to be a likely scenario if their good fortune continues.
Although two divisions separated the competing clubs, they both performed with a high level of skill. Hume City were evidently expected to progress to the next round, however the VPL side were made to work hard for their spot in the next round.
Moreland City punched above their weight, however it wasn’t enough as Hume went on to cement a well deserved 2-1 triumph.
Game 10: FC Clifton Hill (State 2) vs Cobram Victory (Regional)
Who could forget Cobram Victory’s miraculous 3-2 cup win over former VPL side Whittlesea Zebras last round? Cobram made news throughout Victoria, sending shockwaves around the little town playing in the Goulburn Valley North East Football Association.
Meanwhile, FC Clifton Hill had a much more routine fourth round encounter, comfortably accounting of Twin City (Regional) 5-2.
Their form in State League Two N/W sees them sit in a congested mid-table battle. Nonetheless, the pressure was on FC Clifton Hill to progress to the next round given their superiority in league rankings.
The opening half was a frantic encounter, with both teams attempting to stamp their authority on the game, however neither team were able to take advantage. At the halftime interval the score was 0-0.
The second half commenced with an attacking foray of football from both outfits. However, the game was brought to life when a Clifton Hill player was given his marching orders for violent conduct on a Cobram player.
Clifton Hill ultimately paid the price for being a man down when Cobram’s Matthew Gray silenced the home crowd with a wonderful volley from a corner in the 68th minute. A magnificent build-up was rewarded by Gray’s finish.
The home side lifted their intensity and put forth an attacking display, pressuring the Cobram defence on several occasions. Though, it wasn’t to be for Clifton Hill as Cobram Victory lived up to its name by putting the nail in the coffin in the 79th minute.
Nazz Santoro calmly slotted home the decisive goal after being put one-on-one with the keeper following a sublime through ball which pierced the Clifton Hill defence.
The win cemented Cobram Victory into the Final 12 where they will once again be in the limelight following their miraculous display in the inaugural Mirabella Cup competition.
Game 11: Preston Lions (State 1) vs Heidelberg United (VPL)
Traditional foes Preston Lions and Heidelberg United reiterated their celebrated Northern rivalry in the Mirabella Cup.
Given Preston Lions’ relegation from the VPL in 2009, the much anticipated derby encounters, dating back to the NSL period, are not so apparent throughout recent times.
Nevertheless, the excitement amongst the competing clubs was evident as both outfits were looking forward to claiming bragging rights and a spot in the next round of the cup.
Heidelberg United have had a stellar period in the VPL, going from hovering around the relegation zone to rise to fourth position on the table, only four points behind leader Hume City.
Meanwhile, Preston Lions have had somewhat of an inconsistent season in State League One. After narrowly avoiding relegation via a play-off match last season, the Lions dwell in eighth position and only sit two points above the safety zone.
Given Heidelberg’s form and status within Victorian football at present, the VPL outfit were expected to advance to the following round; however they would need to do it at BT Connor Reserve, Preston Lions’ fortress.
The Lions weren’t intimidated by their local rivals, combating the challenges that confronted them. Preston illustrated their fighting mantle by equalising in the second half to have the scores locked at 2-2.
It brought the Preston fans into raptures as the prospect of defeating their long-time rivals was drawing nearer. However, the Lions’ hearts were shattered when two late goals to Heidelberg sealed a hotly contested 4-2 victory.
The fifth round of the Mirabella Cup will conclude with the final fixture between Ballarat Red Devils (State 2) and St Albans Saints (VPL) scheduled to take place on Saturday July 9.
Following the conclusion of round five, only 12 teams will remain as the Mirabella Cup draws closer to its thrilling finale.
Courtesy of Football Federation Victoria – Follow Robbie on Twitter
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