Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Michele Pitman

Brisbane Strikers attacker Trent Clulow says his side’s upcoming Westfield FFA Cup tie against Melbourne City is “what we wanted”.

Strikers were drawn against the Hyundai A-League powerhouse for the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 – with the tie marking the first time Strikers will have hosting rights in the national stage of the competition.

City boast two of the biggest attacking threats in the Hyundai A-League including recent signing and all-time Caltex Socceroos leading goalscorer Tim Cahill, as well as Uruguayan striker Bruno Fornarole, who was last year's Golden Boot winner in the national top flight.

The club's stable of stars also includes Caltex Socceroos Ivan Franjic, Luke Brattan and Neil Kilkenny.

Clulow, whose recent performances have been a key factor in propelling Strikers to the top of the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland table, said his teammates will relish the challenge that awaits as they seek to reach the Quarter Finals for the first time.

“I think it’s a massive opportunity to express ourselves in front of what should be a decent crowd against great A-League opposition,” Clulow said immediately after last night’s draw.

“Between them and Melbourne Victory, they're probably isn’t a tougher two to come up against at that stage from the A-League.”

“So it’s just a great opportunity to enjoy the moment and see what we can do.”

While details for the match will be confirmed in coming days, it is likely Strikers will face City at their Perry Park home ground – the scene of the competition’s biggest ‘cupset’ only last week when Redlands United ousted defending Hyundai A-League Champions Adelaide United.

Clulow said another giant-killing feat was not out of the question for Strikers, who are yet to concede a goal in four Westfield FFA Cup matches in 2016.

“I think we could give them a bit of trouble. I think we’ve proven, and we know, that we’re very solid defensively so they’re not going to storm through us by any means.”

“And we have shown that we can create good chances in build-up, but also against the run of play, which is likely where most of our opportunities will come against A-League opposition.”

“So there certainly will be opportunities that present in the match for us, as long as we remain tight at the back.”

“There’s no denying how tough it is going to be but there’s certainly every chance – just like Redlands United, for instance.”

The match marks the first-time Strikers, who competed in the former top-flight National Soccer League for eleven seasons, will face a Hyundai A-League club in a competitive match.

Clulow said the competition is completely different to the pre-season friendlies that Strikers have played against Hyundai A-League opponents in past years.

“The FFA Cup is a unique experience in comparison to previous years.”

“Because while there’s been teams from the local leagues who’ve played against A-League teams in their pre-seasons, this is actually tied to a cup competition - so it’s got a little bit more to it.”

“It’s a do-or-die type of scenario so, for that reason, the younger guys will be a little bit nervous but they’ll be surrounded by a couple of the senior boys.”

“They’ll be up for it and they’ll really be looking forward to it,” he concluded.

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Round of 16

Brisbane Strikers FC v Melbourne City FC
Fixture details to be confirmed