Words: Michael Flynn
Images (l to r): Albert Perez & Anthony Napoli

Two more fixtures in the Westfield FFA Cup this week as PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues powerhouses Brisbane Strikers and Moreton Bay United enter the fray.

 

Eastern Suburbs FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Tuesday, May 3 | 7:30PM
Heath Park, Brisbane

2016 League Competition:

	DIVISION	POS	P	W	D	L	F	A
Eastern Suburbs	Flight Centre Premier League	7th	9	4	0	5	21	18
Brisbane Strikers	PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues	3rd	9	5	2	2	21	8

Westfield FFA Cup History

	2014	2015
Eastern Suburbs	Round 4 (FQ Cup)	Preliminary Round 5
Brisbane Strikers	Round of 16	Round of 32

Westfield FFA Cup specialists Strikers face a tricky opening fixture as they make the short hop across the river to third-tier Flight Centre Premier League club Eastern Suburbs.

Strikers are looking to rebound from a disappointing last start defeat to FNQ Heat in Cairns – a result that put paid to a five match winning streak and saw them held scoreless for the first time this year.

While recent form should mark Strikers as favourites, the short turnaround between games and demands of travel are a concern for the visitors, whose opponents will be fresh following a fortuitously timed week off from league duties.

Sitting mid-table, Easts have proved inconsistent in the league this season but have not conceded a goal on their path to Preliminary Round 5 in comfortable wins over Tarragindi Tigers and Albany Creek Excelsior.

Despite the departure of striker Ramone Close in recent weeks to the national second tier, Easts still boast a formidable goal threat in Carter Glockner, who has bagged eleven so far this season.

Strikers have not met Easts in a competitive setting since 2006 when Strikers notched won both league matches before the formation of the Queensland State League.

A win for Easts will mark their best ever return in a Westfield FFA Cup qualifying campaign. 

Moreton Bay United FC v Capalaba FC
Wednesday, May 4 | 7:30PM
Wolter Park, Moreton Bay

2016 League Competition:

	DIVISION	POS	P	W	D	L	F	A
Moreton Bay United	PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues	6th	8	4	2	2	16	10
Capalaba	Flight Centre Premier League	6th	9	4	1	4	17	17

Westfield FFA Cup History

	2014	2015
Moreton Bay United	Round 5 (FQ Cup)	Preliminary Round 6
Capalaba	Round 5 (FQ Cup)	Preliminary Round 3

Jets are out to turn around a concerning run of results in the national second tier when they host third-tier Flight Centre Premier League club Capalaba FC.

Following a strong start to the year, the defending PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Champions have taken just five points from their past five matches and dropped out of the top four for the first time this year following a week-off from league competition.

Their opponents, Capalaba, will also benefit from a week-off in the build-up to this match – which marks the first time the sides have clashed in a competitive setting.

Capalaba are in the midst of an up-and-down league campaign, but with third-tier powerhouse Peninsula Power already a victim of their cup run they will be full of belief in the do-or-die cup setting.

A win for the Bulldogs will mark their best ever return in the Westfield FFA Cup and, if Jets are to eliminate them, they will need to close down Capalaba goal machine Ahamad Azzawi, who boasts 12 goals this season in all competitions.