By Robert Di Fabio (courtesy of Football Federation Victoria)

The Easter period has seen an abundance of Mirabella Cup fixtures take place with the fourth round well under way. The second stage of the competition is where the tournament begins to gain its authentic aroma with the introduction of the seeded Alanic Premier League and State League One outfits. There have been nine cup ties played over the Easter break which saw the likes of reining VPL champions Green Gully Cavaliers, former NSL champions South Melbourne and an array of other high profile Victorian clubs make their debut in the innovative Victorian cup competition. Following these fixtures, the remainder of the fourth round proceedings will take place until 15 May.

Review of the Mirabella Cup Round 4 ties during the Easter period:

We kick-off proceedings with the Moreland City (State 2) and Fawkner Blues (State 1) encounter at Campbell Reserve. City were prepared for the task ahead of them, with a commanding display in the opening half which saw them go into the break leading 1-0. Moreland City’s impressive start to the State League 2 North/West season (three wins from three games) was evident when playing their higher league opposition. Ultimately, Moreland City held on for a thrilling victory to defeat Fawkner Blues 3-2.

Mildura United (Regional) had the ambitious assignment of travelling to the territory of defending VPL champion Green Gully Cavaliers. The fixture illustrated an enormous gulf in class and professionalism among the competing clubs. On a day the Mildura outfit would rather forget, they found themselves trailing 9-0 at the halftime interval. The Cavaliers continued their dominance in the second period, and when the referee mercifully blew for full time, the scoreboard read 18-0.

Easter Tuesday brought about the highly anticipated Hume derby between local rivals Hume City (VPL) and Hume United (State 3) at Broadmeadows Valley Park. The derby lived up to its reputation with a flurry of adrenaline, tension and exhilaration evident on and off the pitch. The three divisions separating the two sides seemed irrelevant as United stepped up to the challenge. With the scores level at 1-1 in the second period, City were awarded a penalty which was subsequently taken advantage of. Hume City prevailed 2-1 in a fiercely competitive contest.

The solitary Provisional League v VPL contest was under way at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex as Bayside Argonaunts (Prov 2) welcomed Bentleigh Greens (VPL) to its home turf. A massive five divisions separated the two teams on the Victorian football pyramid, Bayside can be proud of their efforts. The Argonaunts trailed 2-0 at the halftime interval, before succumbing to a 4-0 defeat. It was a reasonable showing by the Argonauts considering the massive gulf in class, and a satisfying win for Bentleigh as they begin their quest for cup glory.

The Ballarat Red Devils (State 2) continued their impressive league and cup form with a memorable 1-0 victory against North Geelong Warriors (State 1) in extra time. Following the standard 90 minutes, neither side could seize the initiative to find the winner they desired. Luke Armstrong brought the Red Devils into ecstasy in the 109th minute with what proved to be the winning goal. Ballarat held on to record an impressive triumph over their higher league counterparts.

We continue on towards John Cain Memorial Park where renowned Victorian powerhouse South Melbourne (VPL) made their Mirabella Cup debut with a striking display against Yarraville Glory (State 3). South piled on the pressure early with a commanding first half display, leading the Glory 4-0 at the break. They were just getting warmed up as they continued to enforce their superiority after the break, piling on 10 goals in the second half to win 14-0. It was a disappointing outcome for the Glory who prides themselves on being competitive in their football approach.

An exclusive State League affair was apparent at Lawton Park Reserve as Dandenong City (State 2) travelled to the home turf of Langwarrin (State 1). Dandenong may be inferior in league ranking but they stood tall and ground out a 1-0 victory, a fantastic achievement against a team who possess an array of talent.

In other results, FC Clifton Hill (State 2) disposed of Twin City Wanderers (Regional) 5-2 at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, meanwhile former VPL representatives Sunshine George Cross inflicted a ruthless display of football by strolling to an 11-0 victory over Strathdale (Regional).

The fourth round of the Mirabella Cup continues tonight with three exciting fixtures taking place. Recently relegated Altona Magic (State 1) host North Sunshine Eagles (Prov 1), Dandenong Thunder (VPL) meet South Springvale (State 2), while Waverley Wanderers (State 3) greet highly fancied Oakleigh Cannons (VPL). There are a further nine games scheduled as mid-week fixtures next week, while the last remaining match will take place on Sunday 15 May between Cobram Victory (Regional) and Whittlesea Zebras (State 1). Thus far, the fourth round has witnessed some extravagant score lines, surprising results and a wealth of elite outfits making their presence felt. Stage two of the competition still has plenty more to offer.

Mirabella Cup Round 4 Results:

Pascoe Vale (S1) 3-0 Mooroolbark (P1)
Geelong (S2) 0-1 St Albans Saints (VPL)
Moreland City (S2) 3-2 Fawkner Blues (S1)
Green Gully Cavaliers (VPL) 18-0 Mildura United (R)
FC Clifton Hill (S2) 5-2 Twin City Wanderers (R)
Hume City (VPL) 2-1 Hume United (S3)
Langwarrin (S1) 0-1 Dandenong City (S2)
Bayside Argonauts (P2) 0-4 Bentleigh Greens (VPL)
Ballarat Red Devils (S2) 0-0 (1-0 ET) North Geelong (S1)
Strathdale (R) 0-11 Sunshine George Cross (S1)
South Melbourne (VPL) 14-0 Yarraville Glory (S3)

Mirabella Cup Round 4 Draw:

Wed 27 Apr 7:00pm Altona Magic (S1) v North Sunshine Eagles (P1) – Paisley Park
Wed 27 Apr 7:30pm Dandenong Thunder (VPL) v South Springvale (S2) – George Andrews Reserve
Wed 27 Apr 7:30pm Waverley Wanderers (S3) v Oakleigh Cannons (VPL) – Jack Edwards Reserve
Tue 3 May 7:30pm Doncaster Rovers (S2) v FC Bulleen Lions (S1) – Anderson Park
Tue 3 May 7:30pm Kingston City (S3) v Southern Stars (S1) – The Grange Reserve
Wed 4 May 7:30pm Heidelberg United (VPL) v Banyule City (S2) – Olympic Park (Village)
Wed 4 May 8:00pm Northcote City (VPL) v Box Hill United (S2) – TBC
Wed 4 Apr 8:00pm South Yarra (P1) v Port Melbourne (S1) – TBC
Wed 4 Apr 8:00pm Melbourne Knights (VPL) v Keilor Park (S3) or Westgate (S2) – TBC
Wed 4 May 8:00pm Falcons 2000 (R) v Springvale White Eagles (VPL) – Latrobe City Sports Club
Wed 4 May 8:00pm Malvern City (S2) v Fortuna 60 (R) – TBC
Wed 4 May 8:00pm Heidelberg Stars (P3) v Preston Lions (S1) – TBC
Sun 15 May 3:00pm Cobram Victory (R) v Whittlesea Zebras (S1) – Barooga Recreation Reserve

South Melbourne (VPL) 14-0 Yarraville Glory (S3)

Am I read that properly?

EDIT:

I must be, I just read the result above it. Good grief.


Edited by notveryclever: 28/4/2011 12:42:23 AM

Sunshine Eagles beat Altona 2-1, will now face SMFC I believe.
keilor unfortunately though beat Westgate, which means no Knights vs Westgate clash.

Everyone's favourite forumer Ljubo scored a deuce. Lobbed the keeper at one stage.

According to the things I've read SMFC will be facing the winner of Port Melb and South Yarra.

How do (either of you) figure? It's a an open draw out of the FFV "zones" for the next round, the so-called Zone Finals, right?

South is expected to play the winner of the match between South Yarra (Provisional League 1 North/West) and Port Melbourne (State League 1) in the Fifth Round of the competition.

I got that off the SMFC site. Though uses the word expected so I guess nothing is confirmed.

How do (either of you) figure? It's a an open draw out of the FFV "zones" for the next round, the so-called Zone Finals, right?