Words: Matt Dorman, Olympic FC
Image: Alannah Pearson, Olympic FC

Olympic FC will return to the national stage this July after securing their place in the FFA Cup with a 2-1 win over Peninsula Power last night at AJ Kelly Park.

Reuben Way struck a 79^th minute winner to seal Olympic’s qualification to the national knockout tournament.

It will be the second time Olympic will face interstate opposition in a competitive fixture in less than 12 months after winning last year’s NPL Queensland Grand Final to represent the competition in the National Premier Leagues Final Series.

Olympic's win came after a tight start, with Power appealing for a penalty in the opening 25 minutes before skipper Danny Byrne pounced on Jake McLean's deflected through pass to put Olympic ahead just after the half hour.

Olympic led at the break having shaded the opening 45 minutes but the home side came out firing after the restart, eventually producing a stunning equaliser in the 57th minute as Richard Hurlin curled a free-kick inside the top corner.

Just as it seemed the hosts had the momentum, Olympic produced a flowing team move involving several players before Reuben Way tucked home a left-footed finish to confirm his side's passage.

Olympic FC Head Coach Jim Bellas tipped the opportunities ahead to be a boost to the entire club.

"In the final 32 you can be drawn against anyone including A-League clubs so it's a big incentive for us as a team and as a club to go as far as we can," Bellas said.

"It would be great to make the last 16, it would be very difficult but good for the future of the club."

While the visit of a top A-League outfit would ensure a grand occasion at Goodwin Park, Bellas preferred to focus on his side.

"Whoever we play it's a new challenge if front of us so it doesn't bother me who we're drawn against," he said.

"The team cohesion was a bit off at the start of the year but we're starting to play for each other again and it's pleasing because they all played to the last minute and it was good to watch them out there.

"They're a good side, good players, and it's nice to watch them on the sideline."

Having overcome a raft of injuries to now enjoy a run of seven matches unbeaten in all competitions, the former Olympic player hopes his charges continue their form on all fronts.

The tense affair was heightened further by the prospect of a berth in the Canale Travel Cup final, which has doubled as Brisbane's Football Queensland Cup qualifying zone.

"The players keep the Canale Cup Final prize money so that's a big incentive for them," Bellas said, adding he hopes "they can win it and go for a good holiday at the end of the year."