Words: Moreton Bay United
Image: Andrew Shaw

There's nothing like cup football – just ask Moreton Bay United captain Alex Janovsky.

With just a week until Jets’ debut in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32, Janovsky said he loves the tension of cup ties.

“These fixtures are the best, most intense football,” he said.

“Everyone wants to be there and everyone knows what’s at stake. That brings another level of intensity.”

The stakes will certainly be high at Wolter Park next Wednesday (August 2) when Broadmeadow Magic arrive from Newcastle.

While Jets will be making their first appearance in the cup’s national rounds, three players – including Alex Janovsky – have already been there and won.

The captain was part Lions’ team which beat Adelaide side Croydon Kings 2-1 on an all weather pitch, in the 2015 Round of 32.

Their reward was A-League Perth Glory, at Perry Park. Lions had chances, Janovsky was denied from close-range, before Glory scored the only goal, four minutes from the end of extra time.

“Both games were good, but the best memory was going away down to Adelaide with the boys,” recalled Janovsky.

“An away trip to an NPL team (Lions were Brisbane Premier League) was something to behold, with all our away fans. No-one knew who we were!

“Playing on Astroturf mixed things up as well. But it was great to get down there to challenge a team we wouldn’t normally face.”

Lions were 2-0 up after half-time. But Croydon pulled one back to set-up a grandstand finish. “I was exhausted at the end. Relieved to hang on,” said Janovsky.

Broadmeadow are unlikely to be complete strangers to the Jets’ squad when they arrive at Wolter Park next week, with Jets coaches checking videos and contacts.

“But it’s also exciting, playing the unknown,” said Janovsky, “they may have a player with A-League experience and we don’t. But you just go for it and hope for the best.”

Don’t forget – Jets v Broadmeadow is a ticketed match. Admission at Wolter Park on August 2, kick-off 7.30pm, will be:

• $10 adults
• $5 children
• $15 family
• Tickets available from the merchandise store at Brendale
• On Tuesday and Wednesday 6pm-8.30pm, Saturday 8am-11.30am
• Also from clubhouse and office at Brendale
• And on the match day at the ground.
• Gates will open 5.30pm