Avondale FC v Sydney FC: FFA Cup quarter-final highlights, live scores, blog

Great game Stuart. Avondale took a hit of Cup Magic at half-time, and made a real contest of it. Sydney just too good in the end. Just.

Match Report Sydney FC have kept their perfect record against NPL opposition in the FFA Cup, and their FFA Cup winning streak alive, with an extra-time 4-2 win over a valiant Avondale FC. It was a match built up in expectation, and the minnow fighting the behemoth lived up to that expectation, and delivered even more. First half strikes to Trent Buhagiar looked to have sealed the result early for the A-League giant, as Avondale appeared to be struggling from extra-time finals football over the weekend. Sydney at times were in such control, they put in a performance that made their opponents look almost pedestrian. Adam Le Fondre found himself too often offside, and had he run his line properly, he may have gotten himself a goal or two early on. But Le Fondre and Buhagiar showed some great early signs of a burgeoning partnership that Sydney fans can get excited about. Avondale brought the fight in the second half, with a double to Liam Boland bringing the NPL grand finalists back into the contest. Avondale started playing to their strengths, with raids down the left, and the pace appeared to catch Sydney out, as Boland helped himself to a clinical finish and a poacher's chance. Sydney were holding on, and got the game to extra time. Avondale brought the fire again in the extra time, however they faded quickly, as Sydney over-ran the NPL side. While Avondale brought about the changes, it was not enough to stop goals to Milos Ninkovic and Le Fondre, sealing the win and passage to the semi finals for Sydney FC. Avondale could not peg this one back, and the result was finished in the A-League team's favour. However, Sydney, Avondale, the FFA Cup and football were the winners tonight, with a great match, lots of goals, and truly, a great example of the magic of the cup. Avondale FC - 2 Sydney FC - 4

ET – Full Time And the remnant of the crowd that is left applaud the players for a superb game of football, as the referee blows time on a Sydney quarter final win. Report to come. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 4

ET – 121′ – Redmayne fists it away, corner Avondale. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 4

ET – 120′ – Avondale with a free kick, and that might be that last chance of the night. Out wide, outside the area. Sydney flood their players back for it. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 4

ET – 119′ – Sydney will send Grant for a late early finish. Corner Sydney. Avondale break. A slow break. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 4

ET – 119′ – Not much more to report really. Sydney just holding possession, but Avondale can't chase. They've got nothing left to give. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 4

ET – 117′ – The crowd is departing, and who can blame them. Kane Shepherd finally gets on the ball. Pretty sure that's his first, and likely last, touch tonight. Sydney just moving the ball around with class now, controlling the game again. Avondale just look tired now. No surprises there. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 4

ET – 114′ – GOAL And Le Fondre finishes the contest. He breaks, he's one on one with the keper, Brillante's through ball touched with genius by Le Fondre, and he finishes with aplomb. That will be the game. And what a game it has been. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 4

ET – 113′ – Sydney with a great chance, but the Avondale keeper does what he has to. Avondale players walking though. Man, they must be stuffed. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3

ET – 112′ – Sydney deal well enough with one corner. But here comes another from the other side. Redmayne fists again, and the ball comes back with interest. Deflected out again. Sydney appear to have dealt with it, and will break themselves! Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3

ET – 111′ – YELLOW CARD Le Fondre, surprisingly onside, but this time talking back to the ref. Meanwhile, Avondale on the attack, and they've earned a corner. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3

ET – 109′ – The tired legs of Avondale are so very, very real. The balls are getting to their destinations, but the control just isn't there anymore. There are going to be some tired boys at work tomorrow. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3

ET – 107′ – I must say, it doesn't feel like this game is over. Not by a long shot. Avondale are sending it long though, and Sydney are keeping it composed. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3

ET – 105′ – And Avondale bring on their golden boy, Kane Shepperd. Can he leave a lasting memory for his team? Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3

ET - Half Time Right, Avondale have 15 minutes to keep their FFA Cup alive. Surely they are drawing on every ounce and memory of just four days ago from Friday. They will need every single fibre of their being tapped into that kind of energy. As for Sydney, they may have just done the job, and they have earned it. Nothing can be taken away from these teams. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3

ET – 106′ – And that is what it sounds like, when doves cry. That is devastating for the home side, but the finish it has to be said was all class. 1 minute of stoppage time. Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3

ET - 104′ – GOAL! Avondale trying to wait for the break it appears. Which is fine, but they keep forgetting that they look, and indeed are, very tired. Sydney building nicely. And there's the chance - Ninkovic is through - and he scores!!!!!!!!! Avondale FC – 2 Sydney FC – 3