Springvale Won't Be Embarassed
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images
South Springvale SC coach Bill Lambropoulos says his side won’t be embarrassed against PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Champions Palm Beach Sharks in Tuesday’s Westfield FFA Cup clash.
Sharks host the fourth-tier Victorian club in the tournament’s Round of 16 at CBus Super Stadium following South Springvale’s penalty win over South Cardiff in the previous round.
The self-confessed “pub team” are aware the odds are against them away from home, however they take the belief garnered through a glorious run in Football Federation Victoria’s Dockerty Cup competition into the match.
Springvale were defeated 1-0 in extra time by powerhouse club Melbourne Knights in the final of that tournament, which served as the Football Federation Victoria qualifying path for this year’s Westfield FFA Cup.
“We’ve been saying that every game could be our last round,” Lambropoulos said.
“We understand we are nowhere near the level of the premier league teams, but in saying that we’ve had to compete against two or three of them and we’ve done the job.”
“I don’t think we’re going to be embarrassed and I think we will give it a good go,” he added.
Lambropoulos said his side will continue to favour the counter-attacking style of play they’ve deployed throughout their cup run.
“We know the level that we are playing against and we’re not going to change anything now.”
“It’s been working for us this long and we’re definitely going to play on the counter attack and I’ve been vocal about that since the first game.”
Lambropoulos also said he expects a small but loyal contingent of South Springvale supporters to cheer on the Victorians in the match.
He further added that regardless of Tuesday’s result, the Westfield FFA Cup has been of huge benefit to the club’s profile.
“Even if we finish up tomorrow night, we’ve overachieved. The club has been put on the map.”
“It’s brought grass roots football alive and a lot of Victorian state league teams and the rest of Australia will give this a better go next year. I think it’s a big thing for our game.”
Despite the positives, Lambropoulos said he was still slightly disappointed not to draw a Hyundai A-League side this round.
“In all fairness we would’ve appreciated an A-League opponent because that would’ve set up the club for years to come financially,” he explained.
South Springvale will however play at a former Hyundai A-League venue at CBus Super Stadium, and Lambropoulos stressed that his players should make the most of the opportunity.
“I said to them at training that this is a gift from the federations to you guys. They’ve got a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy a facility like that, so they’re really happy to be given that opportunity.”
South Springvale arrive on the Gold Coast this afternoon and will undergo a light training session ahead of tomorrow’s match.
Fixture Details:
Palm Beach Sharks v South Springvale FC (#PBSvSS)
Tuesday, September 23rd
Kick-off at 7:30pm
CBus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
ADMISSION BY TICKET ONLY - Adults $10, Football Gold Coast registered players 15 & under - Free with a full admission adult.
To pre-purchase your tickets, simply visit the Palm Beach Sharks clubhouse at their Mallawa Sport Complex home.
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