Piddick Eyes Pinnacle FFA Cup Clash
Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Steven Gibson Photography
Palm Beach SC are aiming to salvage their season with a David and Goliath upset against Western Sydney Wanderers in the upcoming Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16.
Sharks moved to within one match of replicating last year’s Quarter Final appearance by securing a heart-stopping penalty shootout win over South Melbourne two weeks ago.
Double-winning coach Grae Piddick will attempt to lead his side back to the last eight in their most glamorous home fixture to date.
“We’re playing a team that’s been champions of Asia so it doesn’t get much bigger than that,” Piddick said.
“I sure they will bring a big crowd and what we need to do now is really promote the game – 5,000 is the target. If we get that many people there it will be a good game.”
While last season’s dream run only added to a highly-successful PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland campaign, this term’s Westfield FFA Cup adventure has provided respite from Sharks’ league season.
Two straight defeats have all but ended their Finals Series hopes and motivated the Gold Coast club to concentrate on upsetting Tony Popovic’s team.
“With the space we’re in at the moment, even though it’s mathematically (a chance), realistically we won’t make the finals,” Piddick said.
“It gives us an opportunity to really focus on the Wanderers game.
“All players will get a chance in the league in the next few games to stake their claim.”
One player who could provide an unexpected boost is departed midfielder Lochlan Reus, who left for college in the United States after starring against South Melbourne.
Piddick says the club will explore opportunities for Reus to return in their showpiece fixture.
“I’m hoping the fact we’ve got an A-League team might convince him to come back,” he said.
“It’s really dependent on his college schedule. If there’s any way we can do it, we’ll try.
“If not then we’ve had some youngsters play his role in the last few games and they’re starting to learn, they’re doing a good job.”
Football Federation Australia will confirm details for all eight Round of 16 matches by Friday, 14 August.
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