FFA Cup success 'number one goal' for Edgeworth

Edgeworth FC believe they have the ability to become the next member federation club to knock a Hyundai A-League side out of the Westfield FFA Cup following their progression to the Round of 16 on Wednesday night.

The Eagles were convincing 3-0 winners over FNQ Heat in Cairns with former A-League golden boot winner Daniel McBreen getting his name on the scoresheet for the visitors.

It was the first time a club from Northern NSW Football have tasted victory in the Round of 32 with coach Damian Zane thrilled with the clinical performance from his side.

Westfield FFA Cup wrap: Round of 32 MD1

“It's massive, it was our number one goal for the year and the way we did it was pretty emphatic,” said Zane post match.

“It was pleasing that they went about the gameplan and we got the reward for it.”

Many pundits were surprised at the ease to which the Eagles were able to assert their authority over the PS4 NPL QLD leaders in the opening exchanges and they took a deserved lead when Aaron McLoughlin swept the ball home off the post on the half hour mark.

Edgeworth Eagles downed FNQ Heat 3-0 to progress to the Round of 16.


McBreen's goal came midway through the second-half, while Brody Taylor iced the result in the shadows of full-time bringing a raucous cheer from the Eagles' travelling supporters.

“I think we've got the ability to do that so I'm not surprised but not in my wildest dreams did I think we'd end up with that scoreline,” said Zane.

“I'd say they [Heat] probably weren't at their best but I just thought we played really well and didn't allow them to get into their stride.

“I thought the first 10-15 minutes of the second half they came at us a bit but I thought we defended well and we said if we keep a cleansheet we'd win the game and it worked out that way.”

Zane was non-committal on whether he would like to see his side play at home or away or draw an A-League side in the next round. However whatever the Eagles' fate the coach believes his side have the ability to go deep in the competition.

“I said to the boys at half-time, 'let's hang on, it's 45 minutes' and now we've got to re-evaluate our goals I guess.

“We pushed Melbourne City last year so nothing's impossible.”