Sydney FC survived an almighty scare in the FFA Cup quarter finals as Avondale FC nearly toppled the A League giants.
The defending champions went 2-0 up after just half an hour thanks to a brace from Trent Buhagiar. The Sky Blues appeared to be cruising toward the semi-finals with their lead in tact until the Liam Boland grabbed Avondale’s first goal 56 minutes into the encounter.
Boland struck again just five minutes later to level the game, which remained tied after 90 minutes.
It wasn’t to be for the Melbourne minnows as Sydney FC took command of extra time and were able to score twice as Milos Ninkovic broke Avondale hearts before new signing Adam Le Fondre sealed the tie.
The other side of Sydney celebrated in the other tie of the evening as Western Sydney Wanderers beat Melbourne City 2-1.
City’s Bruno Fornaroli had the chance to give his side a dream start as he stepped up to the penalty spot in the 12th minute. It wasn’t to be for the striker as he put his penalty wide. Wanderers capitalised on the miss as Oriol Riera put the Sydney club ahead just after the half hour mark before Roly Bonvecacia doubled their advantage before half time.
Melbourne City were able to pull one back thanks to a solo effort from Riley McGree but Wanderers held on.
Next week, APIA Leichardt will take on Adelaide United and Bentleigh Greens will play Heidelberg United to find out who joins both Sydney teams in the semi-finals.
Gallagher is the official insurance broker of Football Federation Australia and a supporter of the FFA Cup.