Western Suburbs exited the FFA Cup with a ghastly 11-0 loss to merciless NPL 2 side Werribee City at Galvin Park on Saturday.
It turned into a horrow show for Suburbs, who were out of their depth against a side much further advanced in their development.
Suburbs coach Sam Papadoloulos said his side was undermanned, unsettled and inexperienced, which played a part in the lop-sided game, but, above all, it ran into a red hot Werribee City that could do no wrong.
“Our left back, right back, a midfielder and a striker were out – it makes a difference,” he said.
“No excuses though, because like I said to the boys, at the end of the day, you’ve got to take your hat off to opponents when they beat you.
“They were better than us, clearly.
“They were quicker, a lot sharper, better decisions, winning 50-50 balls, movement was good.
“We just didn’t respond well.”
Western Suburbs fought hard early in the match, but once the dam wall burst open, it turned into a flood of Werribee City goals, including hat-tricks to Ryu Yamagishi and Trevor Ssemakula.
Captain George Fakos, centre back Adrian Cannatelli and striker Ibrahim Kanneh worked hard for Suburbs, but it was all to no avail.
“We weren’t really close to be honest,” Papadopoulos said.
If there was a positive to come out of the match for Western Suburbs, it was the blooding of youngsters, plus the chance to get another game under the belt before the Football Victoria state league 2 season opener on Saturday at home to Epping City.
“The positive for us is that we played a few young kids and we got another 90-minute hit out before round one,” Papadopoulos said.
“In saying that, it’s probably not the best preparation.
“When you concede three or four it’s bad enough, when you concede 10, it’s a bit hard for some of the players to take.
“We’ll go out there Tuesday and Thursday and get ready for round one.”
Papadopoulos is urging Western Suburbs supporters to come out in force for the home opener against Epping City, insisting it will produce a much better performance for them to feast their eyes on.
“It will be a different story,” he said.
“That’s not going to happen next week.”
There were plenty of goals around the grounds too, with Brimbank Stallions battering Rowville Eagles 7-0, North Sunshine Eagles knocking out Knox City 6-0 and Keilor Park beating Peninsula Strikers 4-1.
Sydenham Park, rolling Williamstown 2-0, and Westside Strikers, winning with the same scoreline over FC Clifton Hill, also advanced.
Cup runs ended for Albion Rovers, losing 1-0 to Beaumaris and Caroline Springs George Cross, defeated 3-1 by Box Hill United.
Lance Jenkinson
