Greens give minnows hope in FFA Cup
Bentleigh Greens’ memorable run to the FFA Cup semi-finals has paved the way for fellow minnows of Australian soccer to do the same.
The Victorian part-timers were the lucky side to benefit from a Cup format that ensured one grassroots club would qualify for the semi-finals.
Despite their 3-0 loss to Perth Glory, Football Federation Australia boss Damien de Bohun says Bentleigh’s impressive off-field hospitality and on-field effort meant the format would stay.
“It was a wonderful night for football to see so many people come out and see the Cinderella story also come true was fantastic,” he said.
“We deliberately made sure (grassroots clubs) had the best opportunity, I think it’s worked really well and we’ll have a similar format next year.
You might like
“To see Bentleigh Greens give such a great account of themselves has justified it, no doubt.”
A Nebojsa Marinkovic double and a late Chris Harold goal put Perth Glory into the final of the inaugural competition, where they’ll face Adelaide United or Central Coast Mariners.
But it’s Bentleigh that have captured the imagination so far, packing out their tiny Kingston Heath stadium for the quarter and semi-finals.
The gates were closed shortly after kick-off with 3300 inside, disappointing several hundred more who left their run too late.
Stay informed, daily
The tardy were also punished when the club’s canteen ran out of meat for their famous souvlakis, thanks to a line that snaked outside the clubhouse.
Beaten coach John Anastasiadis said it was a great occasion and a magnificent cup.
“We hope we’ve inspired a lot of other non-A-League teams to take the cup seriously,” he said.
“Next year, it will be the better for it.”
Anastasiadis said he wanted to use the big stage to grow the club.
“Hopefully a lot of people will come on board now and help out these clubs in lower leagues.”
“If the FFA Cup is to become bigger and better, we’ve got attract some good players too – the lower leagues have to get better.”
