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Adelaide United return to the FFA Cup final with a convincing 2-nil win over a valiant, but ultimately out-performed, Bentleigh Greens.
Bentleigh will wonder what might have been, had they managed to pounce on a Paul Izzo error in the opening minute of the game.
However, Adelaide quickly asserted their authority, and with goals through Ben Halloran and Jordan Elsey, the Reds saw their passage to the final safely through, and maintaining their 100% clean sheet record.
Adelaide too strong for the Greens tonight, the NPL side enjoying a strong FFA Cup run, however, that elusive non A-League participant in the FFA Cup final remains to be found for yet another year.
Final score
Bentleigh Greens – 0
Adelaide United – 2
And then there were four, as Bentleigh Greens kick off the FFA Cup semi-finals at home to Adelaide United, live from Kingston Heath Soccer Complex. Join The Roar for live coverage from 7:30pm (AEST).
So Bentleigh find themselves as the ‘token’ NPL side to appear in the FFA Cup semi-finals.
I say ‘token,’ because to date the FFA Cup is drawn so that at least one non-A-League side will reach the final four, as has been the case in every FFA Cup tournament to date.
But there is nothing token about Bentleigh’s appearance, with an A-League scalp to their name, and some quality football to show for their journey so far.
Two factors will be key for Bentleigh tonight.
One, they have had a bit of a break from their season since it ended, so how they have used that time will dictate how they perform tonight.
Have they been relaxing and resting after a long season, or have they used the two weeks to prime themselves for this event?
The other factor will be how they perform on the big stage. This is no longer a hopeful round of 32 clash with a big team, or their grand final in the quarter finals last round.
Tonight is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these players, and how they respond to the pressure will be a big factor in how they perform.
For Adelaide United, it is ‘been there, done that’ territory for the perennial giant, who are coming off a solid and generally convincing performance in the quarters against APIA.
Adelaide look the goods thus far, the addition of Ben Halloran a big plus for a team that will be hoping to aim high this coming A-League season.
Hitting things off with a guaranteed FFA Cup final appearance will give them just the boost they would love going into round 1.
Prediction
It is hard to go past Adelaide. They have looked solid, convincing, and stylish thus far, and you would imagine that form will continue. But I won’t lie, I would love to see Bentleigh get up, and I certainly hope they do.
Adelaide 3-1.
Join us for live updates and blog from 7:30pm (AEST), and don’t forget to leave a comment below.
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