Power Test City In Front Of Record Crowd
Charles Mendy heads to goal before hitting his shot into the side netting. Photo: Kylie Wells.
Record crowd for a Westfield FFA Cup tie in Queensland, of just over 4000, witnessed Flight Centre Premier League title chasers Peninsula Power push Hyundai A-League side and current cup holders Melbourne City all the way in their Round of 32 clash at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday night.
Billed as the David and Goliath clash of the round, Power can stand proud today with the effort and commitment they displayed on the night, despite eventually bowing out of the competition in a 2-0 defeat to the reigning Westfield FFA Cup holders.
A minutes silence was observed prior to kick-off for the recent passing of Les Murray, synonymous with broadening the game's appeal to the wider Australian public with his time at SBS. The result itself could have been a different story had Power striker Charles Mendy found the back of the net early in the first half when sprinting clear of City centre back Osama Malik before lashing his shot the wrong side of the upright and into the side netting; although the crowd erupted in the belief it had gone in. Power were perhaps a little guilty of being star struck in the opening period but held their own until first half injury time when allowing Stefan Mauk to ghost into the box and glance his header over onrushing keeper Jake Reesby to put City ahead going into the break. Coach Aaron Philp shuffled things around for the second half and it showed with Power enjoying greater possession throughout the half and with Dean Briggs impressing in a more forward role as Power took the game to their opponents. Briggs was desparately unlucky not to level proceedings in the latter stages of the half when doing well to work the ball to his favoured left foot on the edge of the box before curling his shot onto the crossbar with City keeper Dean Bouzanis beaten. With Power pressing for an equaliser, City struck again in added time with striker Bruno Fornaroli presented with a simple tap as the visitors countered. City were made to work for their win, especially in the second half of an entertaining encounter and Power can return to local competition duties with the experience of facing a professional outfit and testing them. Perhaps of greater significance was the superb support from the Redcliffe region for this game with Dolphin Stadium a buzz with spectators. For the club itself, it was a great experience for both players and staff and City Coach Warren Joyce praised the Flight Centre Premier League side on their efforts. Power return to action with another high profile encounter when they host Brisbane Roar this weekend for a Roar pre-season hit out. Their busy schedule continues next Tuesday when they welcome Southside Eagles to AJ Kelly Park for a quarter final clash in the Pig ’N’ Whistle Canale Cup.
