Odds stacked against Broadmeadow in FFA Cup

This year Broadmeadow Magic are lining up for their second shot at the FFA Cup. After bowing out in the Round of 32 in the inaugural event, the Magic have been cursed by injuries, inconsistency and suspension this year.

Broadmeadow are one of two Northern NSW NPL representatives in the FFA Cup, the other being competition leaders Edgeworth FC, who have drawn Melbourne City in the Round of 32.

Broadmeadow face the slightly easier assignment of Victorian NPL outfit Heidelberg United, albeit with a patched up backline.

It’s expected that the Magic will go into the tussle minus both regular central defenders Jon Griffiths and Josh Piddington.

Griffiths received a nightmare two game suspension last week against Northern NSW NPL opponent Lambton (for whom the ‘Michael Bridges’ plays). Piddington meanwhile, will have to defy the medical community by recovering from fractured ribs in less than three weeks.

Speaking with Broadmeadow’s co-manager Robert Virgili, there is a level of respect for the club’s Victorian opponents. The former NSL club are currently second in their NPL competition, and Virgili was aware of the team’s strengths through his Melbourne connections.

“They’re a direct side with mobility up front,” he said. But Broadmeadow will look to stifle that threat with their own strength.

Though sitting fifth in the NSW NPL Broadmeadow are the competition’s highest goal scorers. “Our strength is our attack,” Virgili said.

The co-manager added that Broadmeadow would be cautious early, but there were no plans to ‘park the bus’ as it was not in the team’s character.

The home side will also be hamstrung by the late arrival of club legend Peter Haynes, who is away on a coaching assignment in Japan. The goalscoring threat will not be training with the club in the lead-up, but is expected to take the field on Wednesday night.

On a personal level Virgili said that a meeting with an A-League club in a full competition scenario would be the pinnacle for him.

After winning three grand finals and two premierships with Broadmeadow Magic between 2011 and 2013, Virgili took time out, but was wooed back by the “magic of the cup”.

Virgili was impressed by the exposure NPL clubs received last year and was genuinely surprised by the success of the FFA Cup.

While Broadmeadow Magic versus Heidelberg United will not feature as the main game on Fox Sports on Wednesday, there will be single camera coverage and online streaming to ensure every goal is captured.

In an honest assessment of his team’s hopes Virgili said, “On our day, at our best (we could win), but with them guys out it may be the difference.”

Bookmakers have posted the Magic as rough as $6.50 outsiders. Nevertheless, Broadmeadow are in with a fighting chance of creating another of cup football’s magical moments.