Pluim Park was the venue for the first match of 2019 FFA Cup qualifying rounds for Football NSW clubs. The matchup saw Central Coast Footballs newly promoted Woongarrah Wildcats taking on Macquarie University from the Gladesville Hornsby Football Association.
After an impressive display in the Central Coasts ‘Division One’ competition last season, Woongarrah were looking to put down a marker ahead of next Fridays BPL 2019 Kick-Off. It took the Wildcats only 7 minutes to break the deadlock, with Striker Kane Woolston curling a brilliant strike past the Macquarie keeper after the ball fell to him fortuitously just outside the penalty area.
As the first half progressed the Wildcats began to stamp their authority on the game without managing to convert their dominance into goals, however in the 36th minute a length of the pitch counter attack saw them add to their lead, as AJ Henderson converted with ease from all of 8 yards. A sweeping counter attack that required only two passes to bypass the Macquarie side, lead to a tap in for Henderson from the middle of the penalty area.
FFA Cup Rd2 Woongarrah Wildcats Football Club 5 def Macquarie University Soccer Club 0 at Pluim Park Lisarow. pic.twitter.com/aI2mHELiCC
— Live Local Sport (Central Coast NSW) (@LiveLocalSport) March 12, 2019
The sides headed to the sheds at 2-0 with the game certainly still in the balance, however any hope of a Macquarie resurgence was quickly dashed within minutes of the restart, as Woongarrah struck twice within 90 seconds to effectively kill off the tie. The third goal came from the boot of Lachlan Jones however questions must be asked of the Macquarie Goal-Keeper, as he was beaten cheaply at his near post, before Jones netted Woongarrah’s fourth and his second a mere 50 seconds later as he rounded the goal keeper and rolled home into an empty net.
Woongarrah finished off the scoring in the 70th minute as AJ Henderson netted his second of the night, readjusting his body well to leave the Macquarie keeper with no chance of keeping out the finish. Macquarie will be disappointed with their defensive decision making as they passed up two opportunities to clear the danger, before the Wildcats made them pay to extend their lead to 5-0, and ensure their progression into the FFA Cup’s Third Round.
For Macquarie University, their FFA Cup 2019 run ends here, whilst Woongarrah progress to play away at Dulwich Hill FC from Football NSW’s NPL3 competition in the 3rd round.