By JARROD POTTER
THE next set of cuts has begun in the search for this year’s FFA Cup champion.
Sides from around Greater Dandenong and the City of Casey took to the pitch to help whittle down the Victorian ranks in pursuit of the four spots available in the FFA Cup’s final group stage.
Making their debut as a senior soccer side, Casey Panthers rallied, forcing Noble Park SC to fight to the finish.
The higher ranked Noble Park SC held on however to take the 4-3 win and advance to the second round to face Sporting Whittlesea FC.
Lyndale United also earned a ticket to the next round as Sandown Lions came back in the 4-3 result. With Lyndale smashing four first half goals, the Lions stormed back to almost level the ledger, but couldn’t find the equaliser by the end of regulation.
Harrisfield Hurricanes – based at Alex Nelson Reserve – had the easiest of wins due to a technicality. Collingwood City brought the wrong socks and the sides had a clash, so without any other sock options for the visitors, Harrisfield advanced.
Dandenong South – the reigning premiers and affiliated with the NPL side Dandenong Thunder – had a 6-1 canter over Chelsea while Endeavour United lost 0-2 to Maribyrnong Greens and Hampton Park Sparrows advanced with a 3-1 win over Bell Park.
The second round of the FFA Cup’s Victorian Preliminaries is scheduled for this weekend.
FFA CUP – VICTORIAN PRELIMINARIES ROUND 2
Sporting Whittlesea FC v Noble Park
Lyndale United v West Preston/Kings Domain (TBC)
Harrisfield Hurricanes v Old Scotch SC
Dandenong South v Watsonia Heights FC/Melton Phoenix (TBC)
Maribyrnong Greens v Parkmore SC
Spring Hills v Hampton Park
Seaford United v White Star Dandenong/Upfield SC (TBC)
Keon Park SC v Heatherton United
Peninsula Strikers Senior SC v Keysborough/Fawkner SC (TBC)
FC Strathmore/Ashburton United v Berwick City SC (TBC)
