Tara Murray
Green Gully stepped up on the national stage to win through to the final 16 of the Australia Cup on Wednesday night.
Competing in the national part of the competition for the second time, the Cavaliers had to do it the hard way against Wollongong United at Ian McLennan Park.
United opened the scoring in the 19th minute, before Alex Salmon equalised for the Cavaliers in the 41st minute.
United hit the front again in the 58th minute, but that was quickly cancelled out by Gianluca Iannucci two minutes later.
Josh Hope would give the Cavaliers the lead in the 65th minute for the first time. It would be enough to get the 3-2 win.
Cavaliers coach Stephen Downes said the opportunity get play on the national stage again was something the club had enjoyed.
“It was a great opportunity in Wollongong and it was a good night,” he said.
“It was massive for the club and the experience and recognition on the national stage is something we haven’t had for a while.
“It’s been good for the club to get that exposure.”
Downes said they had expected a tough match and they got exactly that especially with United having the crowd behind them.
He said not once did they think they were down and out despite trailing twice.
“We battled and stuck to the task and found a way to win,” he said. ”I felt in the end that we deserved to win it.
“There’s a lot of belief in the group. We were behind twice and to come back twice is a testament to the group that they have the belief and the togetherness when challenged.”
Downes said it would be an amazing opportunity in the round of 16 to play an A-League side.
“It would be a fantastic challenge and hopefully we’d rise to the challenge if we get the chance.”
There wasn’t much rest for the Cavaliers, who are back in action on Sunday against Heidelberg United in the National Premier League competition.
Like the Cavaliers, the Heidelberg United played in the Australia Cup on Wednesday night.
“It’s a six-pointer,” Downes said of the game.
“We’ll get back on the training track and hopefully get a good result. We know it’s going to be tough and against an organised opposition.
“Both teams have played extra minutes and we won’t be at 100 per cent. We picked up a few injuries.”
It will be a busy few weeks for the Cavaliers, as they still have a catch up match with Melbourne Knights to come.
Downes said the match could be a blessing in disguise, with it giving them an advantage over the other teams fighting for finals spots.
A finals appearance in the NPL, would mean the team has made the finals in all three competitions, NPL, Dockerty Cup and Australia Cup.
Downes said they hope that’s just the beginning.
“We always set out goals and if we are able to achieve that, we tick off that goal,” he said.
“We have more goals than reaching finals, we want to win stuff.”
