Stirling Macedonia's run in the Hahn Australia Cup ended on Tuesday night as they succumbed to the second-half pressure of impressive Melbourne side Avondale FC.
Stirling head coach Ago Mujic had said on the eve of the game that he believed Victoria boasted the strongest NPL in the country. With Avondale second in that league, he was under no illusion about the size of the task ahead.
That they managed to hold out for 54 minutes was testament to their hard work and organisation, a little bit of luck, and a fantastic save from keeper James Bosdet early in the second half. Ultimately, however, they were unable to contain the home team, who scored a flurry of second-half goals at Green Gully Reserve to advance to the Round of 16 with a 5-1 victory.
Avondale had most of the opportunities but struggled to break down a determined Stirling Macedonia. Once Kristian Trajceski finally scored in the 54th minute, however, they were able to break the game open.
Yusuf Ahmed and Manyluak Aguek scored penalties, while a goal from Kur Gai Kur and a second for Aguek made it five.
Stirling Macedonia were able to give their fans watching back home in Perth something to cheer about late when Bayley Brown-Montgomery scored a consolation in stoppage time.
WA's hopes now rest on Perth Glory, who face Wellington Phoenix this Sunday (3pm), and Olympic Kingsway, who host A-Leagues side Melbourne Victory at Kingsway Reserve next Tuesday night.
Olympic made the Round of 16 in this competition last season and are anticipating a bumper crowd at Kingsway Reserve.
Tickets for the game, which kicks off at 7pm WST, are on sale here: bit.ly/OKvMV-tickets
The club advises supporters to purchase their tickets early to avoid queues on match night.
