FFA Cup: Armadale thrilled at Cairns trip, Gwelup home to Comets

Armadale landed a dream FFA Cup away trip to Cairns FC when the draw for the national Round of 32 was made today.

Coach John O’Reilly, captain Billy Quinncroft and the rest of the NPL WA squad couldn’t contain their delight as they watched live on a big screen at Perth Glory’s HQ in Floreat.

Armadale were desperate for an away trip and a venture to north Queensland brought huge cheers from the Belt up. State Cup finalists.

“The boys are buzzing … (they) were begging for an away trip,” Quinncroft said.

O’Reilly, asked if it would be difficult to keep his players’ minds on their upcoming league matches, repled: “I think it’ll be a harder job to keep the boys nice and calm when we get over to Cairns before and after the game!”

State League Division One leaders Gwelup Croatia were drawn at home to another member federation club Adelaide Comets, with the game to be played at Perth SC’s Dorrien Gardens.

Gwelup coach Taki Nicolaidis, who also has a State Cup final to look forward, said: “From a playing point of view, from a coaching point of view, from a club point of view, it’s these moments that we want to be part of.”

The big guns of Australian football have now entered the competition, with Glory given a home tie against A-League champions Melbourne Victory.

Glory’s new coach Tony Popovic and his assistant Hayden Foxe were among the contingent representing the club.

The dates of the matches will be confirmed later this week.

FFA Cup 2018 – Round of 32 Fixtures

Note: Dates, venues and kick-off times will be announced early next week.

 Note: Under the FFA Cup Regulations, Wellington Phoenix are unable to host matches.