Tara Murray
The task of knocking off National Premier League powerhouse Avondale proved too much for the Brimbank Stallions in the Australia Cup on Tuesday night.
The biggest game of the state league 1 north-west side’s history, the Stallions faced Avondale, which is three divisions above them, for a spot in the national stage of the knockout Australia Cup competition.
Avondale scored in the seventh minute and again in the 10th minute to take control of the game.
It would score twice more before the break to lead 4-0 at half time.
The scoring continued just after the break through Liam Boland.
Avondale would score three more goals to seal an 8-0 win. Stefan Valentini scored a hat-trick in the win.
Stallions coach Andrew Marth said before the match that they knew they had nothing to lose out there. It’s the first time the Stallions had made it that far in the competition.
“It is a David and Goliath battle,” he said.
“They are the best team in the NPL and I’m great mates with their coach. I rate them extremely highly.
“For us in the last four to five years to have come from division 4 to division 1 and now have a chance to get into the last 32 of the Australia Cup is a huge achievement.”
The Stallions were one of two state league teams knocked out on Tuesday night, with Bentleigh Greens beating Banyule City 3-0.
The Greens and Avondale, join Heidelberg United, Green Gully and the Oakleigh Cannons through to the national stage.
They will join Western United, Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory in the last 32 of the competition.
