Modbury Jets become the first non-RAA NPLSA team to qualify for the Australia Cup Round of 32 after an impressive 4-1 win over Vipers FC at the State Centre for Football.
It was an unbelievable start by Modbury Jets as they took a 1-0 lead only seven seconds into the encounter after a kick-off run which saw Modbury Jets beat the entire Vipers FC team with three passes full to attacker Cooper Wegener feet as he put it around the opposition keeper.
Although the poor start, Vipers FC weren’t ready to accept defeat as Lucas Candeloro restored the deficit as his lunge for the ball saw him turn the ball into the back of the net as he got on the end of an incredible cross by Vipers FC winger Mark Tolba.
If the game wasn’t already full of numerous surprises, it was heightened in the seventh minute as last season Sergio Melta winner Hamish Mccabe played a well worked one-two with twin brother Liam, which saw Hamish re-establish Modbury Jets lead as he shot found the back of the net.
Modbury Jets were unfortunate not to have increased their lead to 3-1 in the 11th minute as Daniel Ditroia’s cross was met by Wegner who was searching for his brace; however, the attacker was unable to capitalise as Vipers FC’s experienced defender Johnny Moore put his body on the line to keep the deficit at one goal.
Although the dominance of the State League One league leaders, Vipers FC continued to show their grit and desire to keep themselves in the match, with defender Dejan Markov throwing his body at the ball to prevent another Modbury Jets goal.
Modbury Jets found their third of the game as Michael Doyle was able to rise over his defender from a corner as Hamish Mccabe cross fell perfectly on his head, giving them a 3-1 lead in just the 28th minute.
Heading into the break with 3-1 lead, Modbury Jets dominance was highlighted within the first half stats which saw the current leaders take 13 shots in the opening 45 minutes compared to Viper FC’s one.
Heading out from the break, Wegener was unlucky not to replicate his first half opening second heroics as he forced a save from Vipers FC keeper Jose Lartiga who was able to clear the ball with a strong foot as he kept the deficit to only two goals.
Modbury Jets keeper Luke Luongo was forced into his first save of the match in the 56th minute as he got low to push Viper FC midfielder Dylan Centrone shot from the bottom corner as he prevented his opposition from securing their second of the night.
Although the dominance of Modbury Jets throughout the first-half, Vipers FC produced an incredible run in the opening 25 minutes of the second half as they created numerous golden opportunity the close their two gaps. However, the team couldn’t find a way to beat the experience of Modbury Jets defence.
Vipers FC defender Jordan Mugford forced an awkward save out of Luongo in the 72nd minute as his shot was parried over the bar. A quick Vipers FC corner saw the team miss a perfect opportunity to close the two-goal gap as their shot was cleared off the line by Ditroia’s chest.
Wegener confirmed Modbury Jets win and secured his second of the night as he was able to meet a well weighted O’Doherty cross, which saw the attacker connect with the slightest touch to put the ball into the back of the net.
After securing a 4-1 win over Vipers FC, Modbury Jets secured their first appearance into the Australia Cup Round of 32 and will now participate in their first Federation Cup Final for the first time in 18 years as they meet last night’s winners Adelaide City.